We use various apps on a daily basis, and it’s impossible to imagine a flourishing business that doesn’t have an application. Customers want to get access to any services easily and fast, and most companies look for the best web development solutions that can help them satisfy these needs. But even though web apps are gaining more and more popularity, some businesses still give preference to desktop applications. So, what is the best option for your case, and what is the difference between web dev vs software dev? Let’s take a closer look at both types and find their main pros and cons.
Main Difference Between Software And Web Development
If you are an ordinary user and don’t know much about programming, these two terms may sound the same to you. However, there are plenty of differences between software and web development.
Software development is the process of creating and maintaining applications used in computer systems. Becoming a software developer is quite a challenging task as this specialization requires special knowledge and lots of skills. Being a full stack software developer can also be quite rewarding.
On the other side, web development focuses on the creation of a website for the Internet or intranet. Web developers create interactive web pages and ensure that everything works smoothly on client and server sides. Indeed, becoming a specialist in this sphere also takes lots of time. However, it’s easier to become a web developer as there are plenty of courses and boot camps that help acquire needed knowledge at short notice.
Also read: Top 10 Backend Frameworks For Web Development
Benefits and Drawbacks Of Web Apps And Desktop Apps
As aforementioned, web development is more popular nowadays as it helps create the best solutions fastly and cost-effectively. But some companies still select desktop apps as they guarantee better security and can work without an internet connection.
Still, wonder what option will suit your business more? Find out the main pluses and minuses of both:
Web Apps
Some users still prefer desktop apps as there are fewer chances of personal data leakage. Indeed, hackers always look for new ways to get valuable information, and customers can’t be sure that their data is safe. However, there are plenty of solutions that help increase security levels nowadays. For instance, customers can use the best proxy sites while browsing the net. Plus, those businesses that cooperate with trustworthy companies offering web development services get security guarantees. Reliable vendors use modern technologies and protect users’ data on various levels.
The best feature of web applications is cross-platform availability. They can be easily adapted to any device or platform that has a browser. Thus, businesses can create a solution for almost any customer.
pros
- automatic updates
- cross-platform
- easy to work with
- suitable for any device that has an internet connection
cons
- security threats and the possibility of data leakage
- requires internet access
- can work slower and show worse overall performance in comparison to desktop apps
- can be more expensive than desktop solutions
Desktop Apps
The worst thing is that desktop apps are platform-dependent, require manual updates, and aren’t suitable for all types of devices. Still, there are some pluses such as better security, stability, and higher performance. Plus, it doesn’t require an internet connection and is a great option for those who prefer to use apps offline.
Also read: 10 Best Tools for Android Development
pros
- higher level of security
- works offline
- faster and better overall performance
- cheaper than web apps
cons
- manual updates
- takes hard drive space
- not portable
- technical limitations
Conclusion
All in all, desktop and web apps have both advantages and disadvantages, and it’s essential to check all the possible risks before deciding what to pick.
If you need a stable and 100% secure solution, it’s better to take a look at desktop apps. But be ready for the fact that they aren’t portable and require manual updates. How many users will pick such an option in 2022?
Are you looking for mobility and want to attract lots of customers? Then consider web apps. They are suitable for cross-platform solutions and offer automatic updates.
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