Here’s why your business needs a no-code web application

Narek Bayadyan • Updated on Apr 20, 2022 • 10 min read

How can you go about creating a web app for your business if your resources are limited, you don’t know what a programming language is, and don’t have a background in tech? The mere thought of having to build one can be daunting.


But, with the right approach, building a web app doesn’t have to be complicated.


Web apps allow businesses and their clients to communicate. So if your business relies on client communication and interaction at all, then sooner or later you need to take the plunge and set up your web app.



In this article, you’ll learn:

  1. What a web application is
  2. What’s the difference between web applications and websites?
  3. The benefits of web applications
  4. How web applications work
  5. How to create web applications
  6. Why you need a web app
  7. If it’s expensive to build a web app for your business
  8. How can Softr help you make your web app


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What is a web application?



A web application, or web app, utilizes web browsers and web technology to perform different functions, allowing users to interact and take action. Some of the most popular web apps include Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Airbnb, and Amazon. 


Web apps allow users to communicate and interact with businesses across different operating systems, make transactions, or shop online. Business employees can also utilize web apps to collaborate on projects and files, and share information.


That said, web apps are often confused with websites and web pages since they have similarly designed user experiences.


But, before you choose which one to build for your business, you need to dig deeper to understand the differences.

What’s the difference between web applications and websites?


Simply put, when you're on a web resource that contains certain content and doesn't allow you to interact with it, that's a pure website. Once users access the content and have opportunities to interact with it and perform certain activities, that's a web application.

Let’s take a look at some practical examples for web applications development and websites.



What are some examples of websites and web applications?


Web versions of Airbnb, GetYourGuide, Fiverr, Delivery Hero, Udemy, and similar platforms are all web applications as they have many interaction functions crucial to the user interface. When using web applications, you get to:


  • Perform user authentication and acquire a membership to use the platform
  • Do various activities such as renting a house, applying for jobs, paying for training, and getting certificates
  • Upload videos and photos
  • Communicate with the business or other users 


Websites, on the other hand, are more static and don’t allow for much user interaction. Portfolios of professionals are a great example of websites. You visit such pages for purely informative purposes. You navigate the content, but there’s no element for interaction. 


For example, look at this advertising agency webpage. The most interactive thing you can do on that site is clicked on the "Connect" section. It will take you to clickable forms for the company's email address and social media.

The benefits of web applications


App development can have many benefits for both businesses and users. Some of those benefits are:

  • Web applications can be directly opened in browsers, like Safari, Chrome, or Firefox, and there’s no need to download them in advance and occupy the device space.
  • Web apps are directly updated on the server and are then available to all users that have access to it with the same final version. 
  • They can be used on any platform, and there’s no need to go through a submission and approval process like one would with mobile apps.
  • Maintenance costs for businesses that have web applications are low. 
  • Compatibility issues are eliminated since all users use the same version of the web app.


How do web applications work? 

What is a web application

There are strict technological processes behind even the simplest activities we perform on web applications. 

 

By operating as one, and with the help of a web server, the following three components make user actions possible:

  • Frontend: The interface users visually interact with. Here is where the user's requests are sent, and the responses are sent back.
  • Backend: For proceeding with the user's requests, there’s a backend application server, which users do not see. The requests from the frontend are sent to the backend, which implements the users' required actions by querying the database.
  • Database: The database provides the necessary information to the backend. Once that’s done, the backend sends it back to the frontend. They transfer it to the user, and the user's required action is completed. 


Web applications are also classified into two main sections: Static and Dynamic.



Static web applications


They’re not very flexible in terms of adding or modifying content. Users can perform basic activities like searching, filtering the presented information, and reading it. 



Dynamic web applications


Provide significantly more flexibility for adding and modifying content. Users can do things like upload different types of content, and construct the information they want to see based on their preferences.

What are some popular web app use cases across industries?


Type Best for Industries Benefits
Internal Tools
  • Tech
  • E-commerce
  • Financial services
  • Recruitment
  • Marketing
  • Streamline communication across teams
  • Easy access to shared assets
  • Simplify internal business operations
  • Boost employee productivity
Marketplace apps
  • Tech
  • Hospitality
  • Financial services
  • Service industry
  • Marketing
  • Education
  • Non-profit
  • Increase brand awareness
  • Build trust
  • Increase revenue
  • Increase digital visibility
Portal web apps
  • Education
  • Government
  • Non-profit
  • Health care
  • Law
  • Financial services
  • Media
  • Marketing
  • Advertising
  • Centralized documents
  • Different user permission levels
  • Simplified search capabilities
Community web apps
  • Tech
  • Hospitality
  • Education
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Advertising
  • Non-profit
  • Increase customer loyalty and retention
  • Decrease support costs
  • Real-time market and customer research
  • Increase revenue
Resource directories
  • Healthcare
  • Tech
  • Education
  • Computer and electronics
  • Free assets library
  • Generate revenue by adding paid access
  • Collect resource suggestions from users
  • Allow users to find the resource they need easily through search and filtering

How to create web applications?


When it comes to the coding approach, developers need to use two types of languages to create a web application that will operate successfully. We’ll discuss the no-code and low-code approaches further on!



Server-side programming language


This is the backend skeleton of the application. The server-side script is responsible for storing and retrieving the information. Usually, developers use languages like PHP, ASP, Python, or Java to write this section of the app. 



Client-side programming language


Its goal is to organize the presentation of the final content to the users. Client-side scripts need to be browser-supported, as otherwise, the web app won’t be accessible through browsers. The common languages for client-side scripting include JavaScript, and HTML/CSS.

How to build a web app with Airtable

Want to build your own no-code web app?

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Why do I need a web app?


If your business depends on online activities from the customers’ side, then web app development is a necessity for you. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to hire developers or allocate a large portion of your budget to the development.

There’s a much better and more cost-effective option: using no-code platforms like Softr to create a web app with your dream functions. 


Softr creates web apps for your company with many interconnected features. Depending on your specific needs, you can request user authentication, online payment, chatting, commenting, information uploading, and other functions for your web app.

Is it expensive to create a web app for my business?


Web application development can be expensive if you decide to hire a team of developers. Creating a web app is a time- and effort-consuming process.


The price varies based on which type of app you want and what functions you wish to add to it. There are standard technical features such as user registration, which aren’t too difficult for developers to add. However, creating an e-commerce application requires things like payment integrations.


To add features like this, developers use an API (Application Programming Interface), which adds time, effort, and hassle. Consequently, such features are going to push application development prices higher.

How can Softr help you build your web application?

 

If you’re wondering how to build a web app without having to hire a team of developers or refer to a web agency, then using no-code tools that don't require a technical background is your answer.


No-code is the future of digital business opportunities, just like traditional coding was in the late 1950s. 

Softr is an easy-to-use, no-code platform that turns Airtable bases into powerful web apps and client portals and allows you to display and manage your data from Airtable.


You can authenticate your end-users, and control access to your content and data based on conditional rules like roles, logged-in status, and subscription plans.


At the heart of Softr, are the concepts of building blocks and databases.


When building your web app with Softr, you can arrange the building blocks in any way you want and fully customize your pages and define any set of relationships and links. 


The process itself can be summarized into 4 easy steps:

  1. Choose your building blocks: The first step to kickstarting your application is to select from Softr’s 60+ responsive building blocks. Brand your app and customize your web app design as you go.
  2. Connect your Airtable base: Once you’ve got the building blocks down, it’s time to organize all your data in Airtable, connect it, and create stunning visuals.
  3. Define application logic: Organize navigation within your app, collect feedback or requests from visitors on Airtable using forms, and more. At this stage, you can also send form submissions and other data to external services using Zapier and Make (formerly Integromat) integrations.
  4. Add membership options: Lastly, add membership options to your web app so you can publish gated content, set user permissions, or even allow for Stripe payments. The sky is your limit!


Build your web app the no-code way


Website applications are the best way for businesses to communicate with users, facilitate fast and secure transactions, store information, and create portals.


However, many businesses confuse web apps with websites and aim to communicate with their users through their websites alone. But the two are very different. Unlike web apps, websites don’t allow for much user interaction.


Web applications give businesses the ability to streamline their operations, increase revenue, and cut costs, along with many other benefits. Despite all the benefits, many businesses, creators, and entrepreneurs are hesitant to create their web apps due to perceived high cost and effort. 


And it’s true. Web app development does cost a lot of money and takes a lot of time if you decide to hire a team or refer to an agency. But there’s another, much more cost- and time-efficient way. Using no-code tools like Softr.


Don’t let a lack of technical knowledge hold you back. Find your idea, pick your building blocks, integrate with your favorite tools, and let your business succeed.

Frequently asked questions about web applications

A website application, or web app, is an interactive computer program that utilizes web browsers and web technology to perform different functions, allowing users to interact with different elements and take action.

Some examples of web applications include Spotify, Fiverr, Airbnb, DoorDash, and Canva. These applications are highly interactive and allow users to complete actions and connect with businesses.

Web applications are also classified into two main sections: Static and Dynamic. Static web applications are not very flexible in terms of adding or modifying content, but they allow users to perform basic activities like searching for or filtering information. Dynamic web applications are significantly more flexible for adding and modifying content. Users can upload different types of content, construct the information they want to see based on their preferences, etc.

The most used technologies to develop web apps are: 1. Microsoft .Net framework 2. JavaScript 3. Django 4. CodeIgniter 5. Yii PHP framework

Mobile applications, or mobile apps, only function on smartphones or tablets and can be downloaded via the app store or the google play store. Web Applications, however, can be “mobile-optimized” but are functional from any device. Additionally, they provide more features and can serve more than one purpose.

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