Website vs Web App: A Clear Explanation

As web technologies become more powerful, new ways of creating and delivering content have emerged. One of the most confusing distinctions that many people face is the difference between a website and a web app. Both can be accessed through a web browser, but they are fundamentally different in terms of functionality, user experience, and development.

In this article, we will delve into the key differences between websites and web apps, and explore the benefits and limitations of each. We will also look at some examples of popular websites and web apps, and examine how they are built and what makes them unique.

Websites are typically created to provide information to visitors. They can be used to share news, promote products or services, or simply provide information about a particular topic. They usually consist of multiple pages, and visitors navigate through them by clicking on links or using a menu. Websites are typically designed to be viewed on a desktop or laptop computer, but they can also be viewed on mobile devices.

Web apps, on the other hand, are designed to provide a specific functionality or service to users. They can be used to perform tasks, such as sending emails, editing documents, or creating art. They usually have a single page, with the content changing dynamically as the user interacts with the app.

In the next sections of this article, we will take a more in-depth look at the key differences between websites and web apps, and explore the benefits and limitations of each.

What is a website?

A website is a collection of web pages that are connected together and accessed through the internet. Websites typically include a variety of multimedia elements, such as text, images, videos, and audio, and are often used to provide information, sell products, or offer services. They can be created and maintained by individuals, organizations, or businesses, and can range in size from a single page to thousands of pages.

Websites are accessed through a web browser, such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox, by typing in the website's address or URL (Uniform Resource Locator). The URL is the unique address that identifies a website on the internet, and is made up of several parts, including the domain name (e.g., www.example.com) and the protocol (e.g., http or https).

When a user types in a website's URL and hits enter, the browser sends a request to the website's server, which then sends back the website's code, which the browser then interprets and displays to the user. This process happens quickly, making it seem like the website is loading instantly. Websites are built using a variety of programming languages, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Websites can also be accessed through mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. In this case, the website is optimized for smaller screens and touch-based navigation. The website will automatically adjust its layout and functionality to provide an optimal viewing experience on the device being used.

What is a web app?

A web app, short for web application, is a software application that runs on a web browser. Unlike websites, which are primarily designed to display static content, web apps are designed to provide interactive experiences and perform specific tasks. They are built using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and can be accessed through a web browser by typing in the web app's URL or by downloading a web app from an app store.

One of the main differences between a website and a web app is that web apps are designed to perform specific tasks, such as online banking, social media, and e-commerce. They often have a more robust user interface and can provide features such as push notifications, offline access, and geolocation.

Web apps can also be designed to work across different platforms, such as desktop and mobile devices, and can be accessed through a web browser.

Web apps can also be designed to work offline, allowing users to access the app and its features even when they don't have an internet connection. This is achieved through the use of service workers, a web technology that allows for offline access and caching of web pages.

Another key difference between a website and a web app is that web apps can be downloaded from an app store and installed on a device, just like a native app. This is known as a Progressive Web App (PWA) which is a web app that has been optimized to work offline and provide a native app-like experience.

Website	WebApp
Typically designed to provide information and resources	Typically designed to provide interactive experiences and perform specific tasks
Can be accessed through a web browser by typing in the website's URL	Can be accessed through a web browser or through an app store or marketplace
Often has a static layout and structure	Often has a dynamic layout and structure that adapts to the user's actions
Often provides a one-way flow of information, from the website to the user	Often provides a two-way flow of information, allowing the user to input data and interact with the app
Can be created using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript	Can be created using a variety of web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more advanced frameworks such as React or Angular
May have limited offline functionality	Can have offline functionality through the use of service workers and local storage

Comparison between Web App and Native App: Why Native is the way to go with MCSS

A web app, also known as a Progressive Web App (PWA), is a web application that can be accessed through a web browser and can function offline. They are designed to provide a similar experience to a native app, but they are built using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. On the other hand, a native app is a mobile application that is built using the native programming language for a specific platform (iOS or Android). These apps are downloaded and installed directly on a device and can access device features such as the camera, GPS, and push notifications.

While web apps can provide a similar experience to native apps, they are not as performant and lack access to certain device features. Additionally, web apps are limited by the capabilities of the web browser, whereas native apps can take full advantage of the device's hardware and software. Web apps can be less secure than native apps as they are subject to the same vulnerabilities as a website.

On the other hand, with the MCSS Framework, it's now easy to create and design native mobile apps without having to be an expert in iOS and Android development. MCSS allows you to use a single codebase to create both iOS and Android apps and it has a variety of cool app themes that you can use and adapt to your app to save you even more time. With MCSS, you can create a high-performance and highly responsive native app that can access all the device's capabilities and features. In terms of performance, security, and access to device features, it's best to opt for building native apps instead of Progressive Web Apps.