In organisations across Australia, web applications (Web Apps) have become essential to daily operations. They are accessed through web browsers and have the unique advantage of not requiring downloads or installations on the user’s device. Whether you’re checking emails, updating a document, or tracking your fleet, there’s a high chance you’re interacting with a Web App.
What Are WebApps?
Simply put, Web Apps are interactive programs run on a web server, and the user accesses it through a browser. They provide a range of functionalities and can be as simple as a contact form on a website or as complex as a business process management application. Unlike traditional applications, they don’t need to be downloaded or installed—you need an internet connection and a web browser. This accessibility makes them incredibly versatile and useful across different devices, whether you’re using a laptop, a smartphone, or a tablet.
The Power of Component-Driven Development
One of the innovative approaches to building these Web Apps is “component-driven development” (CDD). CDD treats components as the fundamental building blocks of a web application. These components are reusable, scalable, and modular pieces that developers combine to build sophisticated applications more quickly and efficiently. This approach promotes better standardisation and quality in web application development.
Companies like Formbird utilise CDD to create industry-specific applications, such as Formbird FLEET for fleet management and Formbird CLARITY for water utility operational asset management. By leveraging CDD, Formbirds Web Apps rapidly adapt to specific industry needs while maintaining high performance and usability standards.
The Cross-Platform Advantage
One of the significant advantages of Web Apps is their cross-platform nature. Whether using iOS or Android, the application remains accessible and functional, providing a seamless user experience across different devices. This universality is particularly beneficial in our diverse digital ecosystem, where users switch between multiple devices daily.
In a discussion, Mark Hosking, CEO of Formbird, highlighted the importance of Web Apps in providing a multiplatform development environment. His take is that Web Apps are not just about compatibility; they represent a “standard operating environment” – the browser. This approach negates the need for different versions for various platforms, simplifying development, installation and usage.
The Evolution of Browser-Based Applications
Over the past two decades, browser-based application environments have seen significant growth and improvement. As internet speeds have increased and browser technologies have become more sophisticated, Web Apps have evolved from simple, static pages to complex, interactive applications, rivalling the capabilities of traditional software. This evolution signifies how we perceive and interact with software – moving away from device-dependent installations to universally accessible solutions.
Web Apps represent a significant leap forward in how we interact with digital tools. They offer a simple, efficient, and cross-platform way to use applications. Companies like Formbird continuously push the boundaries through approaches like component-driven development, providing tailored solutions that meet specific industry needs.
