A Web Application (Web app) is an application program that is stored on a remote server and delivered over the Internet through a browser interface. Web services are Web apps by definition and many, although not all, websites contain Web apps. According to Web.AppStorm editor Jarel Remick, any website component that performs some function for the user qualifies as a Web app.
Web applications can be designed for a wide variety of uses and can be used by anyone; from an organization to an individual for numerous reasons. Commonly used Web applications can include webmail, online calculators, or e-commerce shops. Some Web apps can be only accessed by a specific browser; however, most are available no matter the browser.
How Web applications work
Web applications do not need to be downloaded since they are accessed through a network. Users can access a Web application through a web browser such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari.
For a web app to operate, it needs a Web server, application server, and a database. Web servers manage the requests that come from a client, while the application server completes the requested task. A database can be used to store any needed information.
Web applications typically have short development cycles and can be made with small development teams. Most Web apps are written in JavaScript, HTML5, or Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Client-side programming typically utilizes these languages, which help build an applications front-end. Server-side programming is done to create the scripts a Web app will use. Languages such as Python, Java, and Ruby are commonly used in server-side programming.