You have a brilliant software solution and you can’t wait to share it with the world! đź’ˇ You took our “Should you Build an app” quiz and passed with flying colors. Now you’re ready to find a development team who understands your product and can take your vision to the next level.  Â
One of the first questions that you will be asked by your potential developers is if you want a web or mobile application. If you haven’t done your research, this question might rock your world! Deciding to build a web or mobile app is a HUGE decision that requires significant thought and planning. Today, I’m going to walk you through what mobile and web apps are, their pros and cons, and how you can start to determine which option is right for your product.
Let’s start with Web Apps
Do you pay your rent through an online portal? Or do you log into a patient portal to schedule doctor’s appointments and view your lab results? The platforms that host these services are web applications. Web apps are kept on remote servers and include a client-side component (the part of the app that you use), a server-side component (the backend), and a database that stores and retrieves data for the app. Since web applications are hosted on remote servers, users must have internet access to use the app.
Pros include…
âś… Web apps are accessible on any device
âś… Development is relatively easy, affordable, and does not require additional efforts to publish the app
âś… Web apps can be integrated with other apps and services
âś… Web apps reach a large audienceÂ
Cons include…
❌ Security is not always strong. Web apps are more susceptible to cyber attacks
❌ Web apps can be slow and prone to network errors. If the internet connection is unstable, users will have difficulty accessing the app
❌ Restricted functionality – As web applications are not native, sometimes they cannot use all the features of your device, like advanced camera controls. Â
❌ Web apps always need to be hosted on the Internet which requires ongoing costs and maintenance.Â
Now let’s discuss Mobile Apps
It’s 2023 and probably safe to assume that the majority of us use a smartphone. Whether you’re texting, listening to music with a music player, or taking photos, you’re using a mobile app. They are designed to run on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. Mobile apps are available through distribution platforms, such as the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Mobile apps store their data on the device’s local storage or in the cloud depending on how many users there are using the app. Mobile apps are usually more complex than web apps because of the necessary software and hardware components needed for their features, device compatibility, and operating systems.
Pros include…
âś… The ability to run offline
âś… Mobile apps are usually more engaging than web apps – they are typically more personalized
âś… Mobile apps are more secure than web apps due to the device’s authentication methods and ability to encrypt data stored on the device.Â
âś… Mobile apps can be monetized through in-app purchases and advertisements
Cons include…
❌ Mobile apps are complex to develop and usually more expensive
❌ Mobile apps might not be compatible with all devices
❌ Mobile apps updates might take a long time to get published on the App store
As you can see, there are several factors that determine whether you should build a Web or Mobile app. It really boils down to what your specific product needs are, your timeline, your budget, and who your audience includes. We encourage you to consult an experienced development team who can listen to your product vision and inform you on which application will produce optimal results.
Ready to start your project? Connect with us online and schedule a free consultation with our team.
