There are many different types of apps available on the web, each with their own purpose and benefits. The three main categories are native apps, web apps, and hybrid apps. For the uninitiated, the differences between these three types of applications can be difficult to understand at first glance. In order to make sense of the different types of web apps available, it’s important to understand how they are built and what kind of functionality they offer users. The Different Types of Web Apps and Which One is Right for You

What Is a Web App?
A web app (sometimes called a cloud app) is a piece of software that lives on a website. It’s accessible through a browser like Chrome or Firefox, but it’s not something you download or install on your computer; it lives in the cloud. Most web apps work inside your browser, so all you need to use them is an internet connection—you don’t have to worry about installing software on your computer.
Getting Familiar with the Different Types of Web Apps
It’s important to understand that there are two different types of web apps—hosted and installed—and they both have unique pros and cons. Hosted web apps run in a browser window, so your users don’t need to download anything or even be online to use them. These are typically used for business-to-business (B2B) applications, like an order management system on an ecommerce website.
Moving from Mobile-First to Desktop-First
Web apps are becoming a cornerstone in our digital lives, but which one is right for you? When it comes to web apps, there are three primary categories: Mobile-first web apps, desktop-first web apps, and hybrid mobile web apps. It’s important to note that these aren’t three separate categories — they often fall into two buckets — mobile-first or desktop-first.
Choosing Between a Website and a Web App
There are a lot of different options out there when it comes to online marketing, which can make it hard to choose between website or web app. To help you decide, here’s a look at both platforms, their pros, cons, and most importantly: how to use them most effectively.
Taking the Next Steps with Your Web App Idea
The decision to create a web app has been made, now it’s time to put your idea into action. There are many different types of web apps, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Before you begin coding, you should evaluate which type will be best suited for your needs. In order to do that, we’ll take a closer look at five popular types: desktop, mobile/tablet, enterprise/corporate, content creation and social media. Let’s get started!