Difference Between Web Applications and Mobile Applications
A web application and a mobile application are totally two different things, you can understand these differences on the basis of various parameters such as the purpose of web application and mobile application, development process, the technology used, deployment type, etc. I will also mention the simplest difference between web applications and mobile applications so that if you are not a technical person then you can also understand the basic difference between web applications and mobile applications.
Web applications are software installed on a central server and anyone can access web applications using web browsers from their device. The device can be either a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop, smart tv, etc. Just you need an active internet connection and a web browser on your device. Whereas a mobile application installed directly in your device, runs directly in your device, it may or may not require an active internet connection. To use a mobile application you need to download it from an app store but in the case of a web application you do not require to download any app, you just need a web browser to access it.
Most people are confused because of the term 'web application', In simple words, a website is a web application so no need to be confused. Now you already know what is difference between a website and a mobile app. Let me provide you with some technical differences between a web application and a mobile application.
Technical Differences Between Web Applications and Mobile Applications
- Web Applications are hosted on a centralized web server whereas Mobile Applications are downloaded and installed on your mobile phones.
- To access a Web Application you just need a web browser on your device, To run a Mobile Application you need to download and install the Mobile application.
- Web Application requires an active internet connection whereas Mobile Application may or may not require an active internet connection.
- Google.com, Wikipedia.org, Gdatamart.com are examples of Web Applications whereas WhatsApp, Facebook Messanger, Battlefield, PUBG are examples of Mobile Applications.
- Web Application browser-specific whereas Mobile Applications are device-specific.
- Responsive Web Application adopts all device screens very easily whereas Mobile Applications are not compatible with all kinds of devices and screens.
There are too many differences between web applications and mobile applications since most of the people who are searching for answers to this question are not from coding backgrounds so I'm not going to discuss the differences at the code level.
I hope now your query about the difference between web application and mobile application is got resolved if still there is any confusion kindly comment below, I will definitely reply.