What is the difference between a web application and a website?

If you've ever wondered how a web application differs from a regular website, you're not alone. At first glance, the distinction seems blurry, but a closer look reveals that the difference is not only in terms, but also in their functions, technologies, and goals.

Let's understand what's behind these concepts and why it's important to know the difference.

What can be considered a web application 

A web application is interactive software that runs in a browser and allows the user to perform certain actions. Unlike a static website, where content is mainly represented by texts, images and videos, web applications involve user participation: data input, data processing, interaction with the interface.

Web Application Examples:

• Mail services: Gmail, Yahoo Mail.
• Online editors: Google Docs, Canva.
• Shopping platforms: Amazon, eBay (their functionality goes beyond standard product catalogue browsing).
• Banking services: personal accounts in mobile or internet banks.

Features of web applications:

• Web applications use a client-server architecture.
• Require database and server interaction.
• They are dynamic - the information displayed can change depending on user input.
• Accessible through browsers and do not require installation (in most cases).

Interesting fact:

Did you know that Facebook was just a social "site" in its early years, and later evolved into a full-fledged web application with many features and complex architecture?

Another amazing example is Netflix. This service started as an online cinema (website), but today it is a multi-layered application that analyses your preferences, offers recommendations and adapts to different devices.

What are the different types of web applications

Web applications are divided into several types based on their purposes and technologies:

Single Page Application (SPA): are modern web applications that update data on a single page without the need to reload. An example is Gmail, where a new email is downloaded instantly.

Benefits:

• High speed of operation.
• A smoother user experience.

Disadvantages:

• Dependence on JavaScript (if it is disabled, the application will stop working).
• SEO optimisation is more complicated than that.

Multiple Page Application (MPA): This is the classic model, where each new page is loaded in its entirety. Such applications are more similar to traditional websites, but still retain interactivity. An example is online shops.

Benefits:

• Easier to integrate with search engines.
• A more flexible structure.

Progressive Web App (PWA): A hybrid format that combines the best qualities of websites and mobile apps. PWAs work even in offline mode if users have already opened the app.

Examples: AliExpress, Starbucks.

Benefits:

• Accessibility across devices.
• Work fast even with a weak internet connection.

Interesting fact:

According to research, PWA implementation increases conversion rates by 50% due to improved user experience!

Additionally, such apps have the ability to send push notifications, making them a powerful tool for user retention.

The main differences between a web application and a website

Now let's highlight the key differences.

Purpose of use:

• Website: Provides the user with information (texts, images, news).
• Web Application: Resolves tasks and allows you to interact with data (for example, editing a document or paying an invoice).

Technological component:

• Website: Uses HTML, CSS, JavaScript mainly for displaying information.
• Web Application: Involves sophisticated server technologies, databases and client-server interaction.

User Interaction:

• Website: Passive (user reads, watches content).
• Web Application: Active (enters data, performs actions).

Imagine that a website is a library with shelves of books, where you just pick up and read what you need. And a web application is like signing up for a quiz at the library, where you have to enter your data, solve problems and get the result.

Evolution of technology

It is important to realise that many websites these days include elements of web applications. For example, blogs can offer authorisation systems, voting, ratings - all this already brings them closer to the category of web applications. This just confirms the gradual erasure of the boundaries between these categories.

In the end, when deciding whether you need a website or a web application for your project, base it on your goals. If you need to communicate information to a wide audience, choose a website. If you need to give users the opportunity to solve tasks online and interact with your product, choose a web application. In the age of digitalisation, a smart approach to technology selection becomes a critical success factor!