With the rise of technology, almost everything is made easier for users. Yes, it’s like almost everything can be accessed everywhere and anytime we want. Back then we used to go to a shopping centre in order to buy something. Now, we can buy, do and even order anything without leaving our house. Application is everything nowadays. Even fashion stores start creating applications to make purchasing activities easier for users. Are you a business owner looking to create an app for your business? First, get to know these types of apps in the world of business so you can understand better to choose what you need to do. Keep reading this article to find out!
It has been quite hectic in Melbourne for business owners because competition has become tighter and stronger than ever. My friends from web developers Melbourne ever mentioned building an app for many businesses and it’s quite crazy how online stores compete to make the best app for the best shopping experience. With that being said, let’s see what types of apps you will need to know.
Web apps
A web app is basically an application that can be accessed through a web browser using the internet. What’s the difference between a web app and a website, then? Well, the difference is kind of subjective, but let’s just say, a website is generally informational while a web app has additional functionality and interactivity. Perhaps I can give you a real example to understand this in short. Wikipedia is a website and it provides information. Facebook, on the other hand, is a web app that is more interactive.
You don’t have to download a web app if you want to access it. You can just load it in browsers like Chrome, Firefox or Safari. Also, they won’t take up any memory or storage on your device when you access them. Businesses use web apps for some reasons, including these advantages:
- Web app supports every device, all platforms and every version of OS
- No need for app store approval
- Visible to search engines
- Fast deployment of new features
That being said, there is no advantage without disadvantages, right? Here they are:
- You need strong internet connection or it won’t function properly
- Not suitable for apps with a complex front-end
- It is not available in the app store
- Access limited when it comes to smartphone’s features
Okay, now you know what web app is about, now let’s move to the other type of app; native apps.
Native apps
Native apps are considered to be the most reliable, showing extraordinary performance because it is a software application built in a specific programming language, for the specific device platform, either iOS or Android. The best examples for native apps that you may already be familiar with are Instagram, Skype, Snapchat, Pinterest, etc. Most apps are native for many reasons, such as:
- Native apps are fast and responsive
- Native apps are easy to tap into wider device functionality
- High performance
- Available in the app store
- Match app UI/UX to platform conventions
However, there are also disadvantages of the native app development itself:
- Native apps can cost more than other types of apps
- Native apps take longer to build
- They are complicated and expensive when it comes to maintenance and support
- Search engines can’t read the content
Now let’s define the other type of apps called Hybrid apps.
Hybrid apps
Basically, you install it like a native app, but it is actually a web app on the inside. In short, a hybrid app is, in a way, a compromise between web and native app development, as it combines the advantages of both types of app development. Hybrid apps are generally good for banks, media, news and content delivery platforms. These are the advantages of hybrid apps:
- It costs lower than any other type of apps
- It can reach a wider audience
- Can be downloaded from the app store
- It is available for cross-platform
- You save time and money
And of course, the disadvantages are:
- It is still not native
- It is limited in performance
- The development for cross-platform is quite challenging
- The UX of the app will suffer
The surprising examples of apps categorised as hybrid apps that you may be familiar with are Amazon (Yes, Amazon!), Evernote and Netflix.
Now that you know the types of apps that are popular for businesses, you can decide for yourself what is suitable for your business. It is wrong to think like this; if you have the money – build native apps; if you are low on budget – choose either a hybrid or a web app. However, this is a totally wrong approach! You shouldn’t choose the type of app that you can afford, but the one that fits your needs. If you are still confused, you can contact us now and let our team help you with that.