Web application: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:34, 15 February 2025

Web Application[edit]

A web application is a software application that runs on a web server, unlike computer software programs that are run locally on the operating system (OS) of the device. Web applications are accessed by the user through a web browser with an active network connection.

A screenshot of a web application interface

Web applications are popular due to the ubiquity of web browsers, and the convenience of using a web browser as a client, sometimes referred to as a thin client. Common web applications include webmail, online retail sales, online auctions, wikis, instant messaging services, and many other functions.

Architecture[edit]

Web applications typically use a combination of server-side scripts (such as PHP, ASP.NET, and Java) and client-side scripts (such as JavaScript and HTML) to develop the application. The client-side script deals with the presentation of the information, while the server-side script deals with all the hard stuff like storing and retrieving the information.

Client-Side[edit]

The client-side of a web application is the part that the user interacts with. It is developed using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These technologies allow developers to create dynamic and interactive user interfaces.

Server-Side[edit]

The server-side of a web application is responsible for the business logic and data storage. It is developed using server-side languages such as PHP, Python, Ruby, Java, and Node.js. The server-side code runs on a web server and communicates with the client-side to deliver the web application.

Development[edit]

Web application development is the process of creating application programs that reside on remote servers and are delivered to the user's device over the Internet.

Frameworks[edit]

Developers use web application frameworks to build web applications. These frameworks provide a standard way to build and deploy web applications on the World Wide Web. Popular frameworks include Django, Ruby on Rails, AngularJS, and React.

Testing[edit]

Testing is a crucial part of web application development. It involves checking the application for bugs, usability, and performance issues. Testing can be done manually or using automated tools.

Security[edit]

Web application security is a branch of information security that deals specifically with the security of websites, web applications, and web services. At a high level, web application security draws on the principles of application security but applies them specifically to Internet and web systems.

Common Threats[edit]

Some common threats to web applications include SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and cross-site request forgery (CSRF). These threats can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and other security breaches.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Web application''' (also known as a '''web app''') is a [[software application]] that runs on a [[web server]], unlike computer-based software programs that are run locally on the [[operating system]] (OS) of the device. Web applications are accessed by the user through a [[web browser]] with an active [[internet connection]]. These applications are programmed using a client–server modeled structure—the user ("client") is provided services through an off-site server that is hosted by a third-party. Examples of web applications include [[online banking]], [[social networking services]], [[e-commerce]], and [[wikis]]. They have become increasingly popular due to the widespread use of [[web browsers]], and the convenience of using a web browser as a client, sometimes called a thin client.
+== Web Application ==
-==Characteristics==
+A '''web application''' is a software application that runs on a [[web server]], unlike [[computer software]] programs that are run locally on the [[operating system]] (OS) of the device. Web applications are accessed by the user through a [[web browser]] with an active [[network connection]].
-Web applications are designed to provide a variety of services to the user without the need for downloading and installing software on their device. This approach offers several advantages, including:
-* '''Cross-platform compatibility''': Web applications can be accessed on various devices and operating systems, provided the device has a compatible web browser.
+[[File:Horde-portal.png|thumb|right|A screenshot of a web application interface]]
-* '''Maintenance''': Updates and maintenance are performed server-side, which means the end-user is not required to perform any updates manually.
-* '''Security''': Centralized data storage can enhance security measures, though web applications can also be vulnerable to [[web security|security threats]] such as [[SQL injection]], [[cross-site scripting]] (XSS), and [[cross-site request forgery]] (CSRF).
-==Development==
+Web applications are popular due to the ubiquity of web browsers, and the convenience of using a web browser as a client, sometimes referred to as a thin client. Common web applications include [[webmail]], online [[retail sales]], online [[auctions]], [[wikis]], [[instant messaging services]], and many other functions.
-The development of web applications involves the use of [[client-side scripting]] and [[server-side scripting]] languages. Client-side scripting, which includes languages such as [[HTML]], [[CSS]], and [[JavaScript]], is used for the development of the front-end interface. Server-side scripting is used to manage the storage and retrieval of information, and includes languages such as [[PHP]], [[Ruby on Rails]], and [[ASP.NET]].
-==Frameworks==
+== Architecture ==
-Several [[web application framework|frameworks]] have been developed to facilitate the rapid development of web applications. These frameworks provide a standard way to build and deploy web applications on the internet. Popular frameworks include [[AngularJS]], [[React (JavaScript library)|React]], [[Vue.js]], and [[Ruby on Rails]].
-==Security==
+Web applications typically use a combination of server-side scripts (such as [[PHP]], [[ASP.NET]], and [[Java]]) and client-side scripts (such as [[JavaScript]] and [[HTML]]) to develop the application. The client-side script deals with the presentation of the information, while the server-side script deals with all the hard stuff like storing and retrieving the information.
-Security is a major concern in the development of web applications. Developers must ensure that their applications are secure against various threats. This involves implementing security measures at various levels of the application, including data validation, authentication, and authorization practices.
-==Challenges==
+=== Client-Side ===
-Despite their advantages, web applications face several challenges, including:
-* '''Performance''': Web applications can sometimes be slower than native applications, as they rely on web technologies and internet connectivity.
+The client-side of a web application is the part that the user interacts with. It is developed using [[HTML]], [[CSS]], and [[JavaScript]]. These technologies allow developers to create dynamic and interactive user interfaces.
-* '''Offline access''': Limited or no functionality when there is no internet connection, though technologies like [[Service Workers]] and [[HTML5]] caching can help mitigate this issue.
-* '''Browser compatibility''': Variances in web browser implementations can lead to differences in functionality and appearance across devices.
-==Future Trends==
+=== Server-Side ===
-The future of web applications looks promising with the advent of [[Progressive Web Apps]] (PWAs), which aim to combine the best of web and native applications by allowing web apps to function offline and perform at a level traditionally expected from native applications.
+The server-side of a web application is responsible for the business logic and data storage. It is developed using server-side languages such as [[PHP]], [[Python]], [[Ruby]], [[Java]], and [[Node.js]]. The server-side code runs on a web server and communicates with the client-side to deliver the web application.
+== Development ==
+Web application development is the process of creating application programs that reside on remote servers and are delivered to the user's device over the [[Internet]].
+=== Frameworks ===
+Developers use web application frameworks to build web applications. These frameworks provide a standard way to build and deploy web applications on the [[World Wide Web]]. Popular frameworks include [[Django]], [[Ruby on Rails]], [[AngularJS]], and [[React]].
+=== Testing ===
+Testing is a crucial part of web application development. It involves checking the application for bugs, usability, and performance issues. Testing can be done manually or using automated tools.
+== Security ==
+Web application security is a branch of [[information security]] that deals specifically with the security of websites, web applications, and web services. At a high level, web application security draws on the principles of application security but applies them specifically to Internet and web systems.
+=== Common Threats ===
+Some common threats to web applications include [[SQL injection]], [[cross-site scripting]] (XSS), and [[cross-site request forgery]] (CSRF). These threats can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and other security breaches.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Web server]]
+* [[Web browser]]
+* [[HTML]]
+* [[JavaScript]]
+* [[PHP]]
 [[Category:Web applications]]
-[[Category:Software engineering]]
-[[Category:Internet terminology]]
-{{software-stub}}