Developing web applications is now a more common practice than it used to be. Creating web apps has become a good way to solve many problems in diverse sectors of our society. Have you got a great idea for creating a web application? Then you need to get aware of the steps to follow in making that idea a reality. You will need reliable web app development services.
The process of building web apps is now easy and we have made it easier with this guide. If you are in for that web app idea, this is where you learn the rope on how to make web apps. Building a web app can help promote your business. Below are the top 7 easy steps of how to develop a web application:
Step 1. What’s The Purpose of Your Web App?
The essence of developing web applications is for the app to be a digital solution. When we say solution, that means it is solving a problem. So, the place to start is to define the purpose of your web app. What is the app going to be used for when it is finally developed?
This step is a validation process for your web app idea. The idea may not be novel, it can be an upgrade or improvement to an already existing web app. To clearly state the purpose of your simple web app, you should answer questions like: what will this app be used for, what will it do that other apps are not doing already?
Step 2. Market Research
There are several web applications in existence and now you need to find out if anyone is out with an app close to what you are building. Building web apps must involve thorough market research. This will help you know your competitors or point out if you will be pioneering a new niche.
Developing web applications after market research will help you make better decisions. You will be able to offer strategic solutions, pricing, and designs. The market research will also give a good insight into the current demand and market opportunities that is available for the web application.
Step 3. Specify the functionality
The next step is to specify the functionalities that the app should have. This stage is where you give definitions of what your app can do and cannot. It entails all the things that will determine the user experience on the app. To build a web app from scratch, you need to detail the best functionalities that will solve the problem at hand.
It is important to note get ahead of yourself on this. The basic functionalities that address the problem you aim to solve must be included. It is also good to avoid adding too many functions when building web apps. Think about what kind of experience you want the users to have on the web app.
Step 4. Sketch the Web App
This is more like a document that will inform the actual development of the web app. The sketching step is the foundation for the app development. In a more crude attempt, the sketching can be done with pen and paper. In a more modern way, apps like Google Docs, Mockit, and others can be used.
The sketching will include the layout of the real app. It will show the texts, images, buttons, videos, and actions to be taken on the app. This is arranged accordingly to show the right sequence of action. The sketch will make the development process fast, seamless, and easy to evaluate.
Step 5. Create the Database
A lot of data will be generated when you start running your app. It is then necessary to create a database that can safely store the data. Developing web applications must include database management that secures as much sensitive information will be shared on the app.
Sensitive information like login details and payment information will require appropriate encryption. Common database management systems that are used in creating web applications include MySQL, Oracle, and PostgreSQL. It is important to choose the right database that offers the best security and supports those functionalities.
Step 6. Wireframe the UI
The wireframe step is a step above the app sketching. Creating the UI wireframe is more like prototyping the web app. This is like doing a digital sketch of the web app on a computer. This gives a clear idea of how the app will look when finally created.
Building a web application with a great user experience relies on a good wireframe. When the wireframe and prototype are made, testing is done to inform appropriate changes. The prototype is then used as the start point for the full web app development. Common apps used for wireframing the UI include Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, and others.
Step 7. Build the Front-End and Back-End
It is now time to get on with the front-end and back-end development. The front-end is about what the user sees. A good frontend is important for its attractive appearance and ease of navigation. Programming languages like CSS, HTML, and Javascript are important tools here. Decide on the right framework to use for the frontend development as you build the Web app.
The backend is important because it is where the server and data part of this is managed. The backend is the backbone for the workings seen on the frontend. Backend programming languages include Python and PHP.
Conclusion
How to develop web applications has been well answered in this article. It takes 7 simple steps for building web apps that you have been dreaming of. The initial step is to ascertain the problem that the web app is going to solve. Then, you proceed to conduct market research. Find out what competitors are doing or if there is any at all.
In web app development, the functionality specification stage must be based on the purpose of the app. The next stage is to sketch the app and then create a good database. After this, the wireframe is made as a solid base for the frontend and backend development. What is your web app idea? Thinking of apps that solve math word problems or where people can order for their groceries? You have the information to work with already.
