Web Application Development vs. Desktop Applications

Web Application Development may be the best option for your company, unlike Desktop Application Development. Technology companies are always looking to optimize their results, choose software solutions to modernize your business strategies and improve overall productivity. However, when planning such a significant change, in one of the most competitive areas globallyrequires a thorough investigation. In this article, we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of both Web Application Development and Desktop Application Development.

Let's begin to define what each of them is to understand them better. A web application or web service is a program configured and installed on a remote server, whose services can be used through a browser and network access. These applications are developed to run in browsers and do not require any physical installation on the computer. For example, the end user accesses Google Docs from the browser and uses it to create files without downloading specialized software.

A Desktop Application is a software program created to run on a computer system with and without Internet access and a browser.. To run them, users need to download their files and install them on their machine. For example, Microsoft Word, Excel, Games, Windows Media Player, etc. All of these applications require a portion of the main memory storage space to run.

The development of Web applications can include everything from simple text files to complicated data processing.. Web developers must be proficient in various programming languages such as JavaScript or Java. They must also be clear about the business objectives, which will dictate the design of the website and the type of procedures they will carry out.

For its part, desktop app developers are responsible for creating slightly more complex programs for computers and mobile devices. They create, conceptualize, program, document, test, and update their components. That being said, both web and desktop software developers rely on writing code. 

Each of these options has a couple of advantages and disadvantages, both for the end customer and for the development team. Codster can be your best ally to make the right decision, Remember to ask for a consultation to solve your doubts.

Differences between Web Application Development and Desktop Applications

Here are some essential responsibilities in Web Application Development:

• Web developers write testable, well-designed, and efficient code by using software development practices.
• Web developers build the design of the website/user interface using standard CSS/HTML practices.
• They integrate data from different databases and back-end services.
• They collect and refinance requirements and specifications based on technical needs.
• The software developer maintains and builds the software documentation.
• They are responsible for the expansion, maintenance and scaling of our site.
• Web developers cooperate with web designers to match visual design intent.

Here are some examples of the responsibilities of a software developer:

• Software developers work with developers to design flowcharts and algorithms.
• Produce clean and efficient code based on specifications
• They integrate third-party software programs and components.
• Software developers debug, troubleshoot, and update existing software.
• Verify program and systems
• The software developer creates technical documentation for reporting and reference.

In web application development, you code a website or a web application. Web developers use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript languages, while software developers use C++, Java, and Python. Web development applications are designed to be compatible with all browsers. On the other hand, software developers' applications are developed to be consistent across different operating systems/platforms.

Advantages of Desktop Applications:

• Internet is not required. The network connection is the main difference when we talk about desktop applications versus web applications. Once the software is installed, it is no longer necessary to have an internet connection again. Therefore, it is the best option when you are traveling or in places with poor connectivity.
• Better hardware integration and performance. If you install a proper version of your desktop program, it will always integrate well with your system, without any compatibility issues. Also, desktop applications can operate faster and provide a broader set of features compared to Web Application Development.
• cheaper applications. When you buy the desktop version, this means that it belongs to you. You do not need to pay any subscription or make other additional payments. Yes, these programs can be more expensive than web-based applications, but they are generally a one-time payment and do not require ongoing payments.
• Greater security. Desktop apps allow you to save your private data locally instead of in the clouds, offline also lets you forget about losing your personal information. 
• Speaking of intellectual property, We should mention that when you create and save any file to your PC from within the app, you own it., which is not the case with web application development. You should always keep in mind that your content stored in the clouds can easily leak onto the internet.

However, desktop apps don't always have all the benefits you need:

• You have to store the desktop applications and files you create on your hard drive. Some programs don't take up much space, while others (like graphic editors or video recorders) take up gigs of memory. This, in turn, can negatively affect the performance of your device.
• Little or no communication with other operating systems. Most desktop apps are not portable. Of course, you can install and run them on your laptop whenever you need, if the operating system allows it. But you can't log into another computer and continue to use it like you can with Web Application Development that natively offers this.
• Manual updates. Unlike Web-based Application Development, desktop software doesn't update automatically. You will need to manually check for, download, and install the updates. At best, you'll be notified that the app is available, but you'll still need to perform some actions with it.
• It is limited by a single device
• You can install the desktop software on only one device, such as a computer or laptop. Simply put, you always need the same machine to access your program.

Advantages and disadvantages of developing Web Applications (web App)

The development of Web Applications can be a great option for your company, thanks to the fact that the files are not stored on the device of your clients, but rather remotely. The weh browser gives you access to the application and its content. Unlike simple static web pages, web-based applications are interactive. The user can easily create, edit or delete content and data.

Your messengers, text editors like Google Docs or email services are examples of web applications. Users even get several complex video editors or graphic design tools that can be run in the browser, albeit with some limitations. Some other advantages offered by the development of Web applications (web app) are:

• These applications are generally not dependent on system or hardware specifications, so they can run on multiple platforms. Most of them need internet access to work. You can run them from any device that has a web browser. It doesn't matter if you work with Windows, Mac, Linux or anything else because the functionality of the application is regulated by the components that are on the server.
• You can launch a web application by entering the appropriate link. This means that it will not take up space on your client's hard drive and will be accessible from any device. Plus, you won't waste time downloading and installing. Some apps require you to register an account to save your progress and give you other features, but it's a quick and easy procedure.
• You don't need to have the most modern and powerful machine to use a Web Application. You just have to run the browser. The more tabs open, the more memory will be used. However, these programs will demand less processing power than a traditional one. You will be able to work with your web application even if you have a weak PC or hardware.
• What's more, Web application development offers the advantage of mobility between mobile devices and desktop computers. It is clear that the functionality of some solutions may be limited by the size of the screen. You won't be able to properly use complex web applications, such as audio mastering software or graphics editors, because they require larger screens. But you'll have access to a host of enterprise web solutions that aren't system or device dependent. They allow you to stay in touch with your business processes.

However, the development of web applications also has some important disadvantages:

• Web applications depend on Internet access. In other words, you will not be able to perform your tasks in case of connectivity problems. If you are concerned about time and travel a lot, it is better to think about desktop-based solutions that can run offline. This will allow you to avoid connection problems that can interrupt your operations.
• Running online means that all your data will be stored in the public cloud, which may have security or privacy concerns. Unlike desktop applications, web services cannot allow you to control the protection of your personal and confidential information. Therefore, you should be very careful with your sensitive data. Also, remember that your personal computer is less exposed to possible attacks. 
• Web applications depend on the Internet connection and the number of users accessing them. Too many people and low speed will slow down your app. We have said above that the web service does not exhaust the resources of your computer. Some web applications can be much slower than their desktop opponents. But this is the case for complex programs that require a lot of processing power.
• Web applications are deposited entirely on a company's website. Therefore, If your website has some performance issues, your web application will also have problems. For example, if a user has to wait a while for your website URL to load, your app will never be able to load as a flash. That's why you need to consider them together, as there is a close correlation between your website and the app.

intermediate applications

Despite their differences, it is true that desktop and web application development are becoming closer. This is also reflected in techniques like PWA and Electron that developers use. PWAs (Progressive Web Apps) are web apps that you save from your browser as a “desktop app”. It's still a web app, but you open it like a desktop app.

For its part, Electron applications are desktop applications developed with web technologies. You install them as desktop applications, and often the developer offers a web version as well. For the developer, Electron is an efficient way to develop because it builds an application, relatively quickly, that works on different platforms, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux.

However, despite the opportunities they seem to offer, by their nature there are some drawbacks to take into account: Although in terms of speed, they are comparable to web applications, they are slower than their desktop versions. Visual Studio Code and 1Password are a welcome exception to this. The second drawback is that Electron's apps generally don't feel as native as desktop apps. With this, you miss recognition and a certain ease of use.

So far, we've mainly looked at the choice between web and desktop app development, but it doesn't have to be so black and white. If you have multiple types of users, you may want to offer different solutions. Someone who uses all the features, and uses the same PC every day, benefits from a desktop application so that they can use the application optimally. A colleague who uses the app occasionally with a limited set of features may be better off with a web app.

You see this combination in the Sketch design app. The desktop app offers all the features and there is also a web app. Use the latter to collaborate and share designs. The web app is simpler than the desktop version, which limits the learning curve. This mixed platform approach aligns with our view that one size usually doesn't work. For us, it puts the desktop app at the center while also reflecting what other people need.

In Codster, we can be your ally in the development of artificial intelligence applications to exploit the potential of your company, creating technological solutions for identity validation tailored to your needs. If you want to know more, do not hesitate to contact us.