5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Web Application | Drawbacks & Benefits of Web Application

What is Web Application ?

Web application is simply an application which works over a web browser. All the applications here run on a web server instead of a local server. 

Who uses Web Apps ?

Due to the popularity of the internet there is a rise in the development of web apps in the recent years. Especially, businesses are finding web apps as the most convenient way for their employees to work flexibly. Irrespective of the location, the web apps allow staffs to carry out their works. 

Unfortunately, similar to other apps, web apps are with drawbacks too. It has its own positives and negatives. Before web application development, it is essential to know the pros and cons.

In this article, I will be examining about 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Web Application | Drawbacks & Benefits of Web Application. Through this post, you will know the pros and cons of using web application.

Let's get started,

Advantages of Web Application

1. Cost

Developing a web app is way cheaper compared to other types of app developments. They don't require much time for the development as that of a mobile app. Therefore, a single version of a web app is able to support several operating systems. 

Moreover, there is no cost in testing the web app in each and every operating system. This is considered to be a cost effective solution for businesses.

2. Updates

Unlike other types of apps, a web app doesn't need to be updated often. A web application which is linked to a website directly gets updated to the most recent version. This is because developers make sure that is happening in the code is common to all. So everyone who access the web app receives the same version.

3. Customization

Many developers find it easy to customize web apps. This is because it is easy to change the interface of web app. As a result, business operations can be done precisely with less efforts. 

And also, there kind of web apps are generally considered to be safe and secure since it is less likely to be hacked.

4. Download Requirement

In order for running a web application, you don't need to download them separately. Using a web browser a user is able to directly interact with the web app. Thus, the usage of download platform such as App Store and Play Store is completely avoided here.

5. Platform Support

On default web apps are designed to support any operating system. Their interface with different screen sizes allows them to reach out various platforms. Hence, they can easily adopt to Windows, IOS, MacOS, Android and other operating systems. But only under the condition of having a web browser.

Disadvantages of Web Application

1. Performance

A web app is directly linked to a web browser. Due to this, the app size tends to get increased. The impact of this can be seen in the performance of a web application. A large web app performs considerably slower than a native desktop app.

2. Security

Web apps lacks the feature of quality control system. As a result, both safety and security is reduced to a higher level. However, by the methods such as SSL enforcement, the users can prevent data breach to some extent.

3. Availability

Web apps are rare to find since they are not available in any App Store or Play Store. Thus, it is difficult to make an awareness among audiences that such apps are available. Only the audience knowing their apps will be visiting through the respective website.

4. Web Issues

The web application is entirely dependent on the website. Which means that, if the website happens to undergo failure, then most likely the application will be failing too. Hence, for the best performance of a web application it is necessary having a quality website.

5. Internet Dependence

An internet connection is compulsory when running a web application. Still there are many parts of the world where internet is not accessible. Without a reliable internet connection you cannot either browse the web or run the web application.