Apps, especially web applications, are the future and they only intend on growing. If you want to order pizza, you click a few buttons and it’s delivered after half an hour. If you want to check your bank statement, you go online, or you check your mobile app for it. The point is, apps will replace normal processes and interactions, and we’re here to talk about the key differences between desktop apps and web applications.
The following article will cover all the pros and cons that come with both desktop and Web apps, and hopefully, after that, you’ll be able to determine which is the right one for your business or idea. We’ll just say that there are no right answers here, and the choice is completely individual.
What are web and desktop applications?
Obviously, they are both apps. But, there is more to that! To use desktop applications, you first need to download them, and afterward, you won’t be needing internet to access them. Web apps on the other hand need constant access to the internet in order to function properly. But, let’s not judge it from the beginning, because there is plenty more to that, so keep on reading!
Web application pros and cons
Web apps pros
We’ll start off by talking about the pros of web apps. First of all, you can access them anywhere. Think of Google docs for example. If you want to check a certain document that you’ve made months ago, and you happen to not be at home, you can access it from your phone. Things are different if you try accessing a word document, and it can be a bit more complicated than just a couple of clicks.
You don’t need to get bothered with constant updates, although there might be some glitches here and there. Web applications are budget-friendly, they cost way less, and most of them are completely free and offer all the functions you need. In terms of development, web apps cost way less as well, and if your company is a bit tight on budget, then this is the right choice for you.
Web apps cons
Nothing is perfect, and neither are web apps. To access them, you’ll need a steady internet connection, which is not always ideal. The majority of the world has a bad internet connection, and you need to find a really good spot in order for the app to work flawlessly. Not to mention if you’re somewhere out in the wild, where the connection overall is poor. You can just sit back and relax until you’re back in town.
Also, anything that goes on the web is more vulnerable, and so are web applications. Even though your information is safer on the web in terms of getting lost or deleted, it’s highly vulnerable in terms of hacking and being stolen. Be careful what you put out there.
Desktop applications pros and cons
Desktop apps pros
Desktop apps only require steady internet when you first download them. After that, feel free to use them without it. Being stored on your computer makes them safer, but at the same time, you’re risking your computer getting a virus and important files getting deleted or lost forever, so make sure you have a backup memory for everything of value. With modern technology, there are only minor bugs and glitches, so expect your desktop app to work flawlessly. It seems that lately desktop apps are going into history, and modern web apps are replacing them, but that is yet to be seen.
Desktop apps cons
Desktop apps require occasional updates, and you won’t always like the changes. You can only access your app from your own computer, and accessing important files while you’re away is harder and more complex, almost impossible. Last, but not least, in order to develop a fully-functional desktop app, you need to find a skilled developer according to your financial capabilities.
Summary
Developing an application for your business is a huge step forward that will make your company thrive. People will get to know you better, and you’ll connect with your clients better than ever before. The final decision is up to you, and we helped by presenting you with all the pros and cons of both web and desktop applications.