Having a web presence is essential for every business in the 21st century. With 54 percent of small businesses currently on the web, according to The Balance Small Business, web applications have become an increasingly common tool. A web application refers to a computer program that allows users to log-in to a website to submit and retrieve data via a database. Custom web applications are developed using web technologies such as CSS, HTML and JS, and can be accessed using standard web browsers including Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer or Safari.
Step-By-Step Look Into The Custom Web Application Development Process
The custom web application development process involves a series of steps designed to solve business problems and perform important tasks. Today, companies invest a considerable amount of money and effort customizing their web applications to improve customer experience and make application surfing more engaging.
Every company has its own set of unique needs and preferences, which means no one web application is right for every business. Here is a step-by-step look into the custom web application development process.
Identifying What Your Application Will Primarily Be Used For
The first step in the custom web application development process involves gathering information and identifying the primary use of the application. It is important to gain a clear understanding of the application’s future purposes and for what goals it is being created.
Also to be considered, the target audience of the web application and what type of functionalities the app will need in order to meet the needs of the end users.
Mapping Out How Your App Will Work & Create A Wireframe
The next step in the process involves creating a rough outline of how the web application will ultimately look.
A basic workflow of the app should answer basic questions, such as how a user: signs up, signs in, changes their password, changes their user settings, navigates through the app and cancels their subscription.
A blueprint is then created of the web application, a process known as wireframing.
Choosing The Framework Your App Will Be Developed On
Different frameworks are used to build a web application. It is important to choose the right tool for the job to ensure a satisfactory outcome. A web framework is a software tool that supports the building and running of web applications. Frameworks have two main functions: to work on the client-side (front-end) or the server-side (back-end).
Animated features can be created with front-end frameworks, as well as single-page applications (SPAs). Simple pages, forms and landings can be created with server-side frameworks.
Database, Front-End & Back-End Development
Building a custom web application involves several components, including a database, front-end and back-end. First, determine what data needs to be stored in the database, as well as the data types, before building the database. The front-end and back-end will likely be built simultaneously.
The front-end will appear similar to the wireframe or prototype and requires a choice between server pages and single page application. Building the back-end is more complex and requires HTTP endpoints, authentication of users, authorization and serving the front-end.
Testing & QA Of The Custom Web Application
Custom web applications must be continuously tested both during and after the building process. Testing can be performed manually or can be automated to save time and money. During testing, attempt to cover usability, functionality, security, compatibility and performance testing. It is also essential to conduct quality assurance (QA) prior to launching a tested app. Quality assurance provides critical information to decision-makers and stakeholders about the tested application.
QA involves examining the application and identifying bugs, errors, glitches, broken links or similar issues. The result is often a cleaner, faster and overall better web application.
Deploying & Hosting Your Web Application
One of the final steps of the custom web application development process is the deploying and hosting of the app. Hosting is the process of running a web application on a server. This requires a business to purchase a domain and select a cloud hosting provider.
Transferring a web application from a local machine to a cloud provider where it will then be deployed requires the use of a continuous integration (CI) tool.
Reach Out To A Professional Web Application Development Company
Web applications have become a critical tool for modern businesses. Well-designed web applications offer much more than just pleasant aesthetics. They also attract visitors and make it easier for users to interact with a business.
The custom web application development process can be a long and complex endeavor that requires the expertise and guidance of a professional web application development company. Learn more about this innovative process or speak directly with a knowledgeable web application developer at Orases by calling 301.756.5527 or by requesting a consultation online.
