Skip to main content

Types of Web Applications

Static web application​

A static website's pages remain exactly as they were created. When you visit a static website, the web server simply sends the pre-written HTML files, images, and other content directly to their browser, without making any changes. There's no need for the server to run programs or generate content.

Examples:

  • Works best for content that stays relatively unchanged, like a restaurant's menu or a company's "About Us" page.
  • Landing page for product - Recess
  • Microsite - Blue Heart (Patagonia) 

Dynamic web application​

Dynamic websites can change their content for each reader. They work behind the scenes to create personalized experiences by pulling fresh information from databases, connecting with other web services, and creating unique pages for each visitor.

Examples:

  • Social networking site - Facebook
  • News portal - BBC  

E-commerce web application​

A digital store that lets customers shop from anywhere. It's a complete business platform beyond just selling - it's like running a full retail operation online.

It is a virtual mall where you can:

  • Display your product catalog with detailed descriptions and photos
  • Keep your inventory fresh by adding new items and removing old ones
  • Handle secure payments from customers
  • Make shopping easy with features like search, filters, and shopping carts
  • Manage customer accounts and order histories
  • Process refunds and handle customer service

Examples:

Content Management System (CMS) web application​

CMS web apps are like a digital control panel that lets you run your website. You don't need to know any code - instead, you get a user-friendly dashboard where you can write and edit text, upload photos and videos, arrange content exactly how you want it, and publish updates instantly. You can update the website's content whenever needed, without calling in technical help.

Examples:

Single-page web application​

Represents a modern web approach where the entire website operates within a single HTML page. Unlike traditional websites that reload completely with each user interaction, single-page applications dynamically update the page's content in real time by fetching data from the web server. This approach creates an app-like experience where users can navigate seamlessly without experiencing full-page reloads, resulting in faster, more responsive interactions that closely simulate the feel of a native mobile or desktop application.

Examples:

Multiple-pages web application​

Structured digital platforms are composed of interconnected pages, each serving a specific function or purpose. These applications emphasize a modular design, where users navigate between separate pages, typically via menus or links. They are ideal for complex systems requiring detailed content segmentation, such as e-commerce, educational, and enterprise platforms. The multi-page design enables efficient content organization while providing a user experience familiar to traditional websites. 

Examples:

Portal web application​

A portal is a website that combines different types of information in one place, showing the most relevant content based on the user's needs. Over time, portals have evolved from simple websites to advanced tools that are key to creating great digital experiences for customers.

Examples:

Animated web application​

Animated web applications are interactive digital platforms that use motion graphics and dynamic visual effects to enhance user engagement, create more compelling interfaces, and improve overall user experience. These applications strategically use animations to make websites more attractive, informative, and intuitive across sectors like e-learning, e-commerce, and entertainment.

Examples:

Rich Internet web application​

Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) are web applications that function more like desktop software. Using advanced web technologies, they offer more interactive, visually engaging, and responsive user experiences compared to traditional browser-based applications. RIAs provide smoother interfaces, more complex interactions, and better performance by leveraging powerful development tools and frameworks.

Examples:

Progressive web applications (PWAs)​

PWA is an innovative web technology that bridges the gap between traditional websites and native mobile applications. These advanced web apps can be installed directly onto a user's device, functioning like a standard mobile application while being built using standard web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The key foundation of PWAs involves scripts that run in the background - which enable offline caching, background synchronization, and push notifications, transforming a traditional web application into a more robust, native-like experience.

Examples: