Web application facts for kids

A web application is a software application that runs on a remote server. In most cases, Web browsers are used to access Web applications, over a network, such as the Internet. Some web applications are used in intranets, in companies and schools, for example. Web applications are different from other applications because they do not need to be installed.

The WorldClock icon.

Some example web applications are: Facebook (social networking), Flickr (photo sharing), Mibbit (chatting), and Wikipedia.

Web applications are popular because most computer operating systems have web browsers. Programmers can easily change a web application. Users do not need to install any new software to see these changes.

Benefits and drawbacks

Benefits

• Web applications run "inside" a browser; no complex installation is needed.
• Web applications require very little disk space (or computing power) on the client. All the client does is display the data.
• Web applications solve some of the "compatibility issues" (Windows, Mac, Linux); all that is needed is a browser.
• In many cases, the data is stored remotely too. As with other cloud computing, this can allow easy communication and cooperation.
• Help for communication and mail

Drawbacks

• Because they run inside a web browser, most web applications "look" very different to regular programs. The user experience or ease of use is different and some may dislike it.
• Web applications need to be coded so they follow standards. Any browser that also follows the standard can be used. Small changes in a given browser's implementation of a standard may prevent that browser from using the web application.
• Web applications need a connection to the server where the application runs, all the time. The connection may need a certain bandwidth. Without an adequate connection, the application may not become usable; in the worst case, data may be lost.
• Many applications are dependent on the server that hosts them. When the server is switched off, or the company goes bust, the application is no longer usable. Traditional applications continue to work.
• The company offering the web application has complete control over it. This also means that they may launch a new version when they want to; the option to "skip" a less popular version does not exist.
• In many cases, the data is stored remotely too. It may not be possible to export the data so that it can be used with another application.
• The company can theoretically track anything the users do. This can cause privacy problems.

Images for kids

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  Horde groupware is an open-source web application.