As we converse about websites, web apps, and mobile apps here, we will gradually conclude about the features, and importance of web development, its popularity, and future scope.
Web development is usually cheaper than mobile app development, especially for businesses with limited budgets. Websites are easier and less time-consuming to maintain and update than mobile apps. They are accessible on a wider range of devices—desktops, laptops, mobile phones, and tablet computers. Websites can be optimized to improve their visibility in search results, giving developers more flexibility with screen size and input options.
Mobile developers need to pay more attention to performance and memory management because mobile devices have limited resources. Mobile apps are better when you need an app that can be accessed offline and uses device features like GPS. Web apps are better when you plan to update it often.
Even before a business decides to expand its online presence via a mobile app, they needs to have a website with a good design to establish credibility. Web development is not just a skill to learn but it includes (1) web design, (2) user experience design, (3) backend development, (4) jQuery, (5) API development, (6) bootstrap, (7) CMS website development, (8) CSS. The scope of web development is expected to expand as demand for online services and digital experiences increases.
Vital Considerations While Selecting The Scope of Web Development
- Emerging technologies (1) augmented reality, (2) virtual reality, and (3) natural language processing will expand the capabilities of web developers.
- There are several different career paths in web development - (1) front-end developer, (2) back-end developer, (3) full-stack developer, and (4) UI/UX designer.
- The demand for low-code platforms, such as Zoho, Visual Lansa, and Knack, is expected to grow. Developers will continue to implement IoT in web apps as more devices become connected and send information to central computers.
- Web developers will continue to be in demand as businesses strive to establish their online presence.
- Web developers have an option to work as freelancers, in-house developers, or business owners.
- The use of technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science will increase, which will expand opportunities for web developers.
- JavaScript will continue to be the most in-demand language, but Java is also regaining popularity.
With more businesses investing in their online presence, web developers will be needed to create and maintain websites, web applications, and digital platforms. New technologies will lead to growth in the industry, including responsive and adaptive designs, progressive web apps, AI integration, augmented reality, virtual reality, voice search optimization, and Blockchain integration. These technologies improve SEO services and build custom websites with better UI and UX. Web developers track user emotions in real-time as they browse or interact with website content. They implement IoT in web apps, as more devices connect and send information to cloud-based computers. Web developers are working to make websites easier to use for everyone, including people with disabilities.
Web Development in Style
| 1. AI chatbots 2. Serverless architecture 3. Search engine optimization 4. Accelerated Mobile Pages 5. Blockchain technology 6. Cloud Computing 7. Low-code development 8. Micro frontends 9. Cybersecurity 10. Low code/no-code development 11. Mobile-first design | 1. Push notifications 2. Responsive web design 3. WebAssembly 4. Content Personalization with machine learning 5. Enhanced user experience 6. Sustainable design 7. JavaScript frameworks 8. Parallax scrolling 9. Web 3D 10. 3Delements 11. Accelerated mobile pages 12. Custom illustrations 13. JavaScript frameworks | 1. Mobile-first development 2. API development 3. Artificial intelligence 4. Virtual reality 5. Augmented reality 6. Internet of things 7. Progressive web applications 8. Single Page application 9. Artificial intelligence 10. Blockchain technology 11. Motion UI 12. Voice UI 13. Dark mode UI |
It's not just websites vs mobile apps, but the difference in between websites vs web apps that needs to be known. JavaScript, HTML, and CSS are the primary building blocks of using web apps. There is no standard development kit but developers often use templates to navigate the process. Web apps are slightly quicker than mobile apps but they are simpler too.
Web Apps/Websites/Mobile Apps
| Web Apps | Websites | Mobile apps | |
| Functionality | Web apps are dynamic and interactive | Websites are static and more straightforward. They are carefully designed to be mobile responsive. | Mobile apps can interact with a device's hardware and operating system. |
| Access | Web apps are accessible from any device with a browser and internet access. | Websites can be accessed by navigating to the URL. | Mobile apps can be viewed even when offline, while web apps require an internet connection. |
| Development | Web apps are built using JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and Python. | Front End Technologies - CSS, HTML, JavaScript Back End Technologies - Programming languages (Python, PHP, and JavaScript), Frontend Frameworks (React, Angular, VueJS), Web Servers (Nginx, Apache, and Internet Information Server (IIS)), Database Types (NoSQL, Data warehouses, Object-oriented database, relational database, cloud database), Backend Frameworks (ASP.NET, Node.js, Python, Django, Laravel, Ruby on Rails). Also, top databases used in web development are AWS, Firebase, MongoDB. | Mobile apps are built for a specific platform (iOS or Android). |
| Features | When designing a web app consider user interface design, user experience design, responsiveness across devices, security, scalability, accessibility, performance optimization, database design, backend functionality, clear navigation, search engine optimization, and thorough testing throughout the development process. | Responsive design, user-friendly navigation, clear call to action, optimized content for search engines, consistent branding, accessible design, fast loading speed, mobile-friendliness, relevant visuals, contact information, and a well-structured layout that aligns with the target audience. Other important considerations while developing a website: (1) Responsive design, (2) Navigation, (3) Content quality, (4) Call to action, (5) SEO optimization, (6) Branding consistency, (7) Accessibility, (8) Page speed, (9) Mobile-friendliness, (10) Visual appeal, (11) User experience, (12) Contact details, (13) Social media integration, (14) Security, (15) Content management system, (16) Analytics tracking | Mobile apps can access system resources, such as GPS and the camera function. |
| Purpose | Apps help or complete a task. | Websites are primarily intended to inform | Apps are made to complete a task. |
| Design | Web apps are responsive and look and function similarly to mobile apps. | When designing a website, consider the (1) usability, (2) speed, (3) aesthetics, (4) content, (5) navigation, (6) security, (7) domain name, (8) call to action, (9) responsive design, (10) branding, and (11) readiness to optimize. | When designing a mobile app consider the user interface and user experience, accessibility, consistency, target audience, mobile app design trends, security, privacy, budget and timeline, platform and technology, unique features. |
| Examples | Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, YouTube, and Spotify are examples of web apps. | Websites are of many types - ecommerce, personal websites (blogs, one page resume), business websites, portfolio websites, online forums, file sharing websites. | Spotify, Uber, Instagram, Evernote, Airbnb, Duolingo, Facebook, Gmail, Microsoft Teams |
| Offline Usage | Web apps cannot work offline. | Websites cannot work offline. | Mobile apps can work offline |
| Conversion Rates | A web app's conversion rate is the percentage of visitors who take a desired action on the app, such as making a purchase, filling out a form, or playing a video. Websites and apps can have multiple conversion goals, and each will have its own conversion rate. Average conversion rates vary by industry, but are usually in the low single digits. For example, eCommerce conversion rates are typically around 2.5-3%. Web to app conversion rate ratio of website visitors who download the app to the total number of website visitors. Improving page load time can increase conversion rates. | The average conversion rate for websites is around 2.35%, but the top 25% of websites convert at 5.31% or higher. Ecommerce conversion rates are typically lower, ranging from 1.84% to 3.71%. | Mobile apps have access to system resources, such as GPS and the camera function. Mobile app store pages have an estimated conversion rate of 26.4%. Mobile apps can convert at a 157% higher rate than mobile websites. |
FAQs - Future of Web Development
What advantages do apps offer over mobile websites?
Apps can access a device's camera, GPS, and contact lists. Apps can store data locally on a device. Apps can reduce friction in the checkout process. App icons are visible when a user explores their phone, keeping brand awareness high. Apps can retain user data, enabling one-click checkouts and minimizing load times.
What is the conversion rate of web apps?
The average conversion rate for web apps varies depending on the type of app and the platform. The average conversion rate for Google Play apps was 30.5% from January to June 2023. The Events category had the highest average conversion rate at 84.1%, while the Games-Word category had the lowest at 7.5%. For App Store apps it was 30% from January to June 2023.
The average conversion rate for mobile app store pages is estimated to be 26.4%. Ecommerce conversion rates are usually between 1.84% and 3.71%. The average conversion rate across all industries is between 2.35% and 5.31%. Mobile apps can have higher conversion rates than mobile websites because they can access device features, store data locally, and optimize the checkout process.
What is a mobile website?
A mobile website connects several pages through a web browser. It adapts sizes to fit the smaller screen and the touch-enabled interface. It is made to deliver content (contact information, product information, blogs and purchase options). It requires the internet to work. A mobile website improves search rankings and indexes the website on Google. This optimization brings more users to a business website when they enter keywords. Mobile websites also help people find businesses by enabling location services, which link directly to a navigation app. Websites can easily be shared via URL.
Key Learnings
The average conversion rate for web development services varies by industry and business model. The food and beverage industry has the highest conversion rate at 7.9%. Professional services have the highest B2B average conversion rate at 4.6%. Any Web Development Company in India should consider its project requirements, development cost, and stack characteristics while picking a web stack for your next project.
