A web application is software that runs in a web browser and allows users to interact with digital content, services, or tools online. In 2025, web apps power everything from email and banking to design tools and online shops.
Sooner or later, most companies find themselves in need of a web application. Whether you are looking for a custom solution built just for your company or you are looking for an off-the-shelf product that you can customize to fit your needs, we will help you find the best option for your business.
Keep reading to learn more!
Most people mix up websites and web applications. Web applications are programs or software made by third parties, hosted on a remote server, and accessible from any web browser on any device. A website, on the other hand, is mostly about giving information. This also has web applications that help users search, view, and pay online.
An application that interacts with a network is called a web application. This definition is deliberately broad, as there are many types of applications that run on the web. Web applications may be referred to as "client" or "server" applications, but these terms are misleading; all modern web applications have both client and server components.
Web applications are popular because anyone with an internet connection can use them, and they offer a wide range of features and functionality. Examples of web applications include online shopping, email, social networking, and banking.
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Static web apps deliver fixed content to the user’s browser without server-side processing. Each page is coded in HTML and CSS, with little to no interactivity.
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Ideal for content-heavy sites where performance and simplicity matter, particularly when paired with headless CMS solutions.
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Dynamic apps generate content in real-time based on user interaction or backend data. Pages are rendered dynamically using a server or client-side logic.
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Dynamic apps are increasingly powered by serverless architectures and headless CMS, with AI-driven personalisation for user engagement.
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SPAs load a single HTML page and dynamically update content as users interact, without full page reloads.
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SPAs now often integrate with Progressive Web App standards and AI-assisted interfaces for conversational UX.
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MPAs load a new HTML page for each interaction or route. Each page requires a separate request to the server.
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MPAs are evolving with hybrid rendering strategies (e.g. Next.js) that combine SEO benefits with dynamic interactivity.
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PWAs combine the best of web and mobile apps, offering offline access, push notifications, and home screen installation.
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PWAs are crucial in regions with unreliable internet and are now being enhanced with AI-driven offline content prediction.
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Designed for buying and selling goods or services online, these apps support catalogues, carts, and payment integration.
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Modern e-commerce apps leverage AI for product recommendations, voice search, and hyper-personalisation.
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Portals aggregate content and tools in one interface, typically requiring user login to access personalised dashboards.
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Portals now include AI-powered chatbots for internal support and low-code workflows for business automation.
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CMS platforms allow users to create, edit, and manage website content without coding.
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Headless CMS paired with frontend frameworks offer scalable, omnichannel content delivery with AI-assisted writing.
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Tailored solutions built from scratch to meet specific business needs that off-the-shelf tools cannot handle.
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Custom apps are integrating generative AI, process automation, and cross-platform UIs to boost efficiency and user experience.
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RIAs mimic desktop applications in a browser by providing rich UI interactions, often using plugins or heavy JavaScript.
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Modern RIAs are being redefined through WebAssembly and AI-enhanced UIs for tasks like design, coding, and simulation.
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Choosing the right type of web application depends on your business model, user needs, and functional requirements. Whether you're building a simple brochure site or a scalable SaaS platform, aligning your application type with your goals is essential for performance, cost-efficiency, and user satisfaction.
Web applications are used across industries to power communication, commerce, productivity, and entertainment. Some of the most popular web apps combine accessibility, speed, and scalability.
These examples showcase how web apps can serve millions of users with interactive, cloud-based experiences across devices.
Web applications offer several advantages for businesses and users, especially in terms of flexibility, cost-efficiency, and cross-platform compatibility.
For businesses, web apps lower barriers to entry and improve user reach while streamlining maintenance and scalability.
While web applications offer many benefits, businesses also face several technical and strategic challenges when building or maintaining them.
Addressing these challenges requires strategic planning, strong development practices, and scalable infrastructure.
Choosing the right type of web application is key to delivering great user experiences and meeting your business objectives. From static sites to custom platforms, each type serves a unique purpose. Make your choice based on functionality, audience, and future growth.
Ready to build a high-performing web app? Talk to our experts or explore our web development services to get started.
The three primary types of web applications are static, dynamic, and single-page applications (SPAs).
Popular web application examples include:
Generally, application types fall into four categories:
The typical 7 stages of web development are:
For e-commerce, the best web app types are e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify) or Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) for mobile-friendly shopping. These offer product management, payments, and scalable customer experiences.
It depends on your goals. Web apps offer broader reach, easier maintenance, and no installation, while native apps provide deeper device integration and offline capabilities. PWAs blend both advantages.
Yes, Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) can work offline using service workers. They cache data locally, allowing users to access key features even without an internet connection.
You need a Content Management System (CMS) if your web app involves frequent content updates, such as blog posts, articles, or marketing pages. Headless CMS options like Contentful are popular for modern web apps.
Content writer with a big curiosity about the impact of technology on society. Always surrounded by books and music.
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