Web application development is a broad term. It covers many things. However, almost every business needs a web application in some form or other. It is essential that as a business owner/executive that you understand the benefits to your business of web application development.
What is Web Application Development
There are two streams of web application development.
- Client-side
- Server-side
Client-side Application Development
This is what most people have in their minds when they think about web development. The browser interprets the code. So, when you think about client-side scripting think about HTML, CSS, Javascript and Jquery among others.
These are great for simple requirements with standard functionality.
You can see the client-side code by clicking “view source” on your browser.
Server-side Application Development
Server-side scripting goes deeper. Here, the code is rendered on the server and not the browser.
ASP.net, Phyton and PHP are popular server-side languages among others. Generally, the more complex the functionality the more likely you will be building the application server-side.
Web Application Development – Keys to Success
We have built hundreds of web-based applications. As a result, we have learned quite a bit. Here are the most important factors for success for your web application development project.
1. Planning
As outlined above you need to make the choice on either to use client-side, server-side or a mixture of both. This is the most important decision you will make as it waterfalls down to all other requirements.
When building a Gantt chart for your project, make sure you give this process more time than you originally think. Really, the making or breaking of your project could occur here. You must be sure you are making the right choice.
2. Development Resources
On you have decided on your approach you must make sure you have the right skillsets on your team. This will vary depending on the route you have taken. None the less, if there is a human control element to the application we always advise a UX expert is involved when the user flow is being specified and briefed.
This applies to both client and server-side projects.
3. Daily Stand-Ups
As with most projects, daily stand-ups are essential. When managed correctly this helps identify issues early. As a result, solutions can be found faster and your project can stick to its original timeframe.
Whatever project management framework you use be it agile or any other the key is the feedback loop. We have fine-tuned our approach over fifteen years and although every project is different we find that communication is essential for fast delivery and project success.
4. Testing and QA
By far the biggest failure many companies face with web development relates to inadequate Quality Assurance (QA). Look, we understand completely, there are business and revenue pressures to release as fast as possible. In some cases, business executives with no development experience may be leading the project.
However, it is important to factor in adequate QA time in the planning stage. View QA as a cost saver. Issues identified during this phase can be fixed pre-launch.
Web Application Development Costs
Costs vary for web development. This comes down to your requirements and the resources needed to fulfil them.
Proper planning and a thorough discovery phase can actually reduce the costs of the final build. If you want to get a quote for your project then contact us to get a specific quote based on your unique plans.
Conclusion
Web application development is a broad function. To achieve success, you must invest time in detailed planning and ensure that proper quality assurance is undertaken.
If you have any questions about your project drop us a line, we are happy to answer them.
