Building a web application doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With resources available all over the internet, you only need to know how to use the necessary tools and the processes involved.
The web application world is fast evolving with the emergence of new technologies and the changing taste of online users who continuously crave better and easier ways of doing things.
To build a web app, you must first understand what it means and its functionalities.
What is a Web App?
A web app is a computer program that interacts with inbuilt technologies like HTML, CSS, Javascript to store databases and be able to manipulate data by users performing different tasks over the internet.
What you need to know before making a web app?
To build a web app from scratch you should learn the following basics;
- How to write backend languages like Python and Ruby, as they determine the functionality of the web app.
- Web front end languages like HTML, CSS and Javascript, as they are responsible for the look and feel of the app.
- Usage of DevOps tools like Github and Jenkins for deploying and hosting your web applications.
Alternatively, you can use a web app builder like Scrumlaunch for creating a standard website with modern frameworks from scratch.
Steps to building a Web app
Now that you know the necessary skills you need to create a working web app, below are some key steps to guide you through the web app building process.
Define your idea
Every good invention begins with a great idea that is pursued till it materializes. What kind of web app do you want to build? What is the reason or inspiration behind the creation of your web app? What problems will this app solve? You should have answers to these questions.
It is important to approach web app building from the point of solving a problem. This will allow you to enjoy the process, as well as create value for users when the project is done.
Do some market research
Understanding the market you intend to play in is mandatory if you want your web app to be successful. After coming up with your idea, check to see if there is an existing market for the service or product you want to provide. You can use tools like Google to find out if a similar product exists and what they are doing.
Knowing the trends in an existing market is very important so that you are not working blindly. Also, you would be able to measure whether your idea is fit for the market, and any additional features you can add to make yours unique.
Do surveys on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, use analytical tools like Google Analytics and Google Trends to determine the performance of related apps, and SEO tools like Ahrefs and MOZ to check keywords relating to your web app. This will let you know what keywords rank higher in your niche and if your product type is popular among users and in demand.
Determine and List out features of your web app
After validating your idea by carrying out thorough market research, begin to list out the key features you would like your app to have. Ensure that you take into consideration, the main purpose of the app. This should direct you to what functionalities you will need for smooth running.
It is nice to want to have an app that solves a problem to the letter but do not bombard it with too many features. Keep user-friendliness at the bane of whatever you are building. On the contrary, making it too complex takes away from its usefulness rather than adding to it.
Some key things to list are;
- Creation of a new account
- Change of passwords and retrieval
- Leave a message or contact us section
You can go ahead to add other functionalities depending on the key purpose of your web app.
Design your web app
Now that you are done with the planning phase, you should move on to the design stage of creating a web app. Basically, this entails the following
- Sketch a framework: Have a variety of sketches that your web app is supposed to look like and annotate them.
- Plan the workflow: The workflow means how users are going to navigate through your app. From signup to verification, settings and logout, the transitioning must be smooth, so you need to be detailed about this.
- Design a prototype: A prototype wireframe means a demo of your app including its features. A wireframe needs to be done first before integrating an interactive display to produce a prototype. Tools you can use for this include Adobe XD, incision studios, Sketch, depending on the operating system you are working with. Adobe XD works with mac and Windows however, InVision studios and Sketch work with macOS.
Scrumlaunch provides UX design and prototyping services to its clients. Designed wireframes go through rigorous user testing to get feedback.
Build a database
The first thing to do in the development stage of your app is to build a database. Use a Database Management System (DBMS) that can provide you with APIs to create, read and secure databases.
Depending on the data you need to store and your users’ preference, common databases are MySQL, Microsoft SQL and Oracle.
Develop your Frontend and Backend
The front end is what people see when they visit your app. It consists of visually appealing interfaces for users to interact with. Common programming languages used for frontend design are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
The backend is what makes the frontend fully functional and is not visible to users. This requires keen attention as it is more complex than the front.
Hosting
After developing your web app, the next phase is to host it so that it is live, and available to users. You can choose from a list of website hosting applications or decide to use cloud support from Microsoft Azure, Amazon etc.
Deployment
Final deployment means moving your web app from the source control of your computer to the web hosting provider. Common deployment tools are Jenkins, GitLab etc. Once this is successful, you are good to go.
Scrumlaunch delivers great web app designs with amazing functionalities. You can sign up on the website to start building your dream app today.
