What is Web Application Architecture?
Web application architecture describes the relationship between web components, user interfaces, databases and defines the way they interact with each other in an ecosystem.
If we put this in another context, it defines the whole structure for how the client and server are connected. A well-structured web application ensures that all of your components interact with each other in a defined manner. The structure also paves the way for a strong foundation in the later rounds of app development.
What is a Web Application and How does it works?
For any web application, there are two subprograms or sets of code4:
- Client-side code
- Server-side
Yes, both of the programs run separately but with a common goal of delivering a scalable and smooth web experience for users.
- This type of code resides in the browser and has the responsibility of responding to user inputs.
- This type of code is in the server and has the responsibility of responding to HTTP requests.
When a developer develops a web application, the individual is responsible to decide which code will go on the server-side and how the process follows in the client-side code.
on a server. On the other hand, languages like PHP, Java. Python, C#, and others are significant for the client-side code. The code on the server-side is responsible for creating any page requested by a user and it stores various sorts of data.
On the other hand, the client-side code communicates through HTTP requests and can’t read server files. Here, in contrast to server-side code, client-side can be viewed and modified by the user.
Read more about android architectures
Here is a web application architecture diagram, you can find many answers through this architecture diagram
Types of web architecture
Here we are going to classify different types of web applications based on the way the app logic is distributed between the server and the client. So presenting you the most common web architectures with an example:
1. Single Page Applications (SPAs)
Single Page Applications are very popular in web architects as they come with a minimalist layout and architectural structure. These applications are designed in such a way that only a small part of the page gets updated when a user moves to a new page.
This function makes it convenient for both developers and users alike. Developers tend to use JavaScript frameworks like Angular and React and use SPA architecture to deliver a scalable and smooth user experience.
Examples of single-page applications: Facebook, Google Maps, Gmail, and more.
2. Multi-Page Applications
Now, multi-page applications have become very common on the web as all web applications used MPA architecture in the past. This architecture follows a different type of reloading as it sends web pages to the server through the user’s browser. As the application is large, developers opt for MPA architecture to deliver a scalable user experience.
The most common examples of multi-page applications are Amazon and eBay.
3. Microservices
Microservices come under service-orientated architecture (SOA) and are used by developers to build distributed software services.
With this different style of architecture, developers use a collection of loosely coupled services that can be deployed independently. As a result, this deployment makes it easier to build, expand and scale an application.
The most popular examples of a microservices architecture are Netflix, Uber, Spotify, and Paypal.
4. Serverless architectures
With this sort of modern web application architecture, developers are no longer dependent to configure or manage servers architecture using server management software. Well, this function doesn’t indicate the complete independence of servers. Some third-party cloud providers like Amazon and Microsoft offer their virtual servers that handle the complacency in the allocation of machine resources.
5. RAD Stack
Some examples of case studies built with Crowdbotics are Prehab 101, Solace, and Aura.
Read more about iOS Architectures
Now it is time to comprehend the strengths of different app architectures:
1. Single Page Applications (SPA)
- In comparison with the traditional architectures, it delivers super-fast performance
- It delivers equal efficiency on both desktop and mobile devices
- It comes with a lot of flexibility and responsiveness as there is no need to reload
- It comes with optimized development ability
2. Multi-Page Applications (MPA)
- It comes with rich functionality, as an MPA’s has multiple features to maintain an intuitive interface
- Because of the ability to distribute multiple keywords among different pages, a high optimized SEO can be achieved on multiple pages
- It comes with better analytical ability, as MPA’s can be easily tracked by Google analytics tool
3. Microservices
- One can witness a clear division of the application by modules. It gives a lucid understanding of which part of the code works. It also provides the ability to add new features without any complicacy
- It comes with high scalability and empowers developers to add new services at any stage of the development process without making any changes in the whole architecture.
- Owing to its high availability, the application will continue to work in any critical situation
- It has the ability to select multiple tools and technologies to aid fast development
- It comes with ease of deployment when it is compared to other architectures since each service are independent
4. Serverless Architectures
- It is known to minimize cloud costs
- It is considered worth minimizing development costs
- It comes with high scalability
- Faster releases
- Integrated registration and control mechanisms
5. RAD Stack
- It is highly flexible and very adaptable to changes
- There is no need for manual coding every time, thanks to the code generators and code reusing ability
- The use of code generators and reusable code minimize your development costs and allow your team to focus more on quality and productivity
- It is incredibly useful when you’re looking to reduce your overall project risk
- The use of scripts, intermediate codes makes delivery fast with last-minute changes
Read more: Android Libraries
Best Practices for Web Application Architecture
To deliver the best web experience, you must keep other factors in mind than just having a functional web application. As a web application development company, we are presenting you with some best practices that you should keep in mind.
Consistency
The architecture you select must have a uniform approach for all the issues in the development process. So basically, one has to analyze all the application requirements to pick a solution.
Fast performance
It is always better to keep the architecture lightweight and responsive. Analyze the best players in the web apps industry, measure their page speed and responsiveness, and set your standards as per their products.
Simplicity
Build your app with minimalistic architecture. Do not overcomplicate things when there is no need to do
Self-maintenance
The application architecture should be able to identify issues and repair them on its own.
Automation
Automation is key today. Try to automate as much development, testing, and deployment as possible. This will help to achieve the highest scalability in your app
Summary
Do you know the foundation of all web application development? It is the application architecture. Whatever application architecture you choose, determines the logic for developing the application. It determines the interactions between its elements and the functionalities.
However, it is always difficult to identify the requirements of each web services architecture type and select the optimal one to develop your application.
