Web App Types that a SaaS Development Company Builds

Websites and phone applications are probably familiar terms but do not confuse these with web apps. Web apps are programs that are stored on a remote server but run in a web browser and thus are far from a website. Basically, it’s a website that performs specialized tasks for its users. Web apps are primarily informal websites that let users manage documents and materials. They can be run on any browser and are generally accessible via a web browser. Interested in learning about different types of web applications that a SaaS development company builds for businesses? We’re here to walk you through popular types and offer some insights.

9 Different Types of Web Apps Build by a SaaS Development Company

Apps are classified based on how they present the content they accept. Let’s examine the functionalities so you can select an app that’s right for your business.

Static Web Applications 

Static web applications are typically developed in HTML and CSS, but not exclusively. Besides jQuery and Ajax, developers can use other tools as they see fit. For example, a static app can also contain animated objects, such as animated GIFs, banners, and videos.

Static apps do not allow easy modifications to their content. Maintenance can be difficult, and the content doesn’t change unless it is physically modified on the servers. Users access static apps through their browsers in the same way they access them through the server.

Dynamic Web Applications

A dynamic web application is one where information is continually updated and can be challenging to design and construct. Such applications generate data in response to user input in real-time.

According to a SaaS development company, dynamic pages are sent to application servers when requested from the webserver. Content can be uploaded because there are databases at the server end for data loading.

Content Management Systems (CMS) 

It’s a tool that helps websites create, manage, and modify their content without requiring any programming or mark-up knowledge. Content can only be written in Static HTML files and uploaded to the server without it.

CMS allows users to edit their website and add plug-ins to extend its functionality.

WordPress and Joomla are two examples of CMS, both of which are highly intuitive and easily customizable. These applications are best suited for news websites, content managers, bloggers, etc.

Web Apps Powered by JavaScript 

JavaScript empowers you to make dynamic and interactive web pages. Some front-end JavaScript Frameworks include ReactJS, AngularJS, NodeJS, etc. They offer better flexibility and lower the time and effort required to develop JS-based apps. 

JavaScript-powered web apps can work on any mobile device or browser. Web apps built using JavaScript frameworks have no performance issues. They offer better user interaction, search engine optimization (SEO) and are perfect for many industries.

Single Page Web Applications (SPA) 

In single page web apps, users interact with a single page. They are faster than traditional web apps because they execute the logic in the browser instead of the server.

The content on SPAs updates vigorously, and the page doesn’t have to reload fully. All the data a SPA receive can be stored with just one request to the server. As a result, it works efficiently offline.

But, unlike multi-page applications, SPAs are not immune to cross-site scripting attacks. Furthermore, they are also not compatible with SEO optimizations due to universal URLs, says a SaaS development company.

Here are some of the most popular single-page web apps people use every day: 

• GitHub 
• Gmail 
• Google Drive

Progressive Web Applications (PWA) 

These apps help improve performance by adding rich functionalities while promoting mobile adaptability. 

According to several studies, users download progress web apps more frequently because they like how they look and feel. The top features are home screen installation, cashing, and improving data transfers.

A progressive web app offers a better user experience and is more responsive.

Multiple Page Apps 

These are web apps consisting of numerous pages that reload the entire page whenever the user changes pages.

For instance, you log into Amazon to buy a smartphone and click on a specific model. You can only add the phone to your cart and hit the next button. Then, it will redirect you to the next page, where you must click on buy and again be redirected to the credit card page to complete your purchase.

Google Docs and Trello both offer multiple products and services. As a result, they provide multiple ways for their users to interact with the app. That’s why they opt for multi-page applications.

Animated Web Apps

As the name implies, animated web apps are web applications that support animation and synchronization. Examples of animated web apps include SquareEasy and Miki Mottos.

To create animated web apps, the following are usually the best options by a SaaS development company:

• HTML5 
• JavaScript 
• CSS 
• FLASH 
• SVG

E-commerce Web Apps

These apps help users buy and sell goods electronically over the internet. The integration of payment and transaction features is critical to e-commerce web apps. A good example is Amazon and eBay.

Various technologies are involved in e-commerce, including inventory management systems, electronic funds, internet markets, and mobile commerce.

Portal Apps 

Web portals present data from different sources uniformly, such as emails, online forums, and search engines.

Portal web applications allow the personalization of access and user-driven navigation based on the user’s needs. Portal apps include: 

• Client portals 

• Patient portals 

• Educational portals

A couple of well-known educational portals across the globe include Coursera and Udemy.

Summing Up

After learning about the types of web applications a SaaS development company builds, you have a good understanding of them.

Different types of businesses indeed require different types of web applications. Those running e-commerce businesses, for example, will likely prefer e-commerce web applications. However, for educational institutions, portal web applications are more suitable. Thus, your web app’s choice should greatly depend on the type of business and the target audience.