A web app is an application that runs in the browser. It is not downloaded to the device like a native app or PWA, but rather lives on the server and runs logic and UI on the client (user's device). Most advanced websites such as webmail and e-commerce are now web apps, even if they appear like a website. They can be very simple, like a web form, or very sophisticated, such as Google Apps (Google Docs, Sheets, Drive, etc.) and Office 365 (Microsoft Office in the browser).
Web apps have become more powerful with the rise of JavaScript runtime environments such as Node.js, and improvements to browsers and the devices they run on have enabled this. They can't compete with native app performance (although a PWA can), and can't leverage the latest hardware (although do remember not everyone has the latest phone). However, for many projects and disruptive ideas, a web app is a great place to start. They are quick to build and can be used to get a platform to market quickly, either as a final product or to test feasibility. Most of our demo projects start as web apps before evolving into a high performing Progressive Web App.
Web apps are normally the cheapest of the app solutions; they typically cost more than a website, but less than a Progressive Web App (PWA) or native mobile app. This is due to their feature sets being somewhat more limited than the other, more advanced, app options. This can be a good starting point for many, as PWA features and app store capability can be added later.
Native. To The Browser.
Web apps can be built in any number of programming languages or frameworks: PHP, React, Preact, .Net, Vue.js, AngularJS, Polymer, Ember.js, the list goes on. It's about finding the right tool for the job; some projects lend themselves to a solution nicely, while others can require a lot of consideration in weighing up the options. There are a lot of factors to consider for any project; we can talk you through the options, and we'll always keep you informed as to why a decision should be made one way or another.
A web app can evolve to become a Progressive Web App (PWA), or be packaged in a native wrapper and shipped to the app stores, or both. This flexibility means a web app is a cost-effective way of developing a platform.
Web apps have become more and more powerful as the web takes on native.
There are many great infrastructure options to support the development of a web app; particular favorites of ours are Firebase and Heroku. They enable quick delivery of even the most juvenile of web apps, and scale nicely as the project matures.