Web application development is the work involved in developing website software for the Internet (World Wide Web). Web application development can range from developing a simple landing page to complete web-based Internet applications (web apps), electronic businesses, and social network services.
A more comprehensive list of tasks to which Web application development commonly refers, may include web engineering, web design, web content development, client-side/server-side scripting, web server and network security configuration, and eCommerce Web application development.
Among web development professionals, “web development” usually refers to the main functional aspects of building web sites: writing markup and coding.
Web application development is the process and practice of developing web applications. There is a consensus that the processes involved in Website development are an extension of standard software engineering processes.
Some examples of Web application development include:
- Database integration
- Development of custom eCommerce functionality & components
- Document management systems
- Web application integration with other systems, including via an application programming interface (API)
- Customer or user subscription, registration and management
- Content Management Systems
- Billing systems
- Reporting
Secure Web application development
Website development takes into account many security considerations, such as data entry error checking through forms, filtering output, and encryption. Malicious practices such as SQL injection can be executed by users with ill intent yet with only primitive knowledge of website development as a whole. Scripts can be used to exploit Websites by granting unauthorized access to malicious users that try to collect information such as email addresses, passwords and protected content like credit card numbers.
Some website security is dependent on the server environment on which the web application runs and the programming language, such as C/C++, ASP.net, JSP, PHP, Python, Perl or Ruby which the web application is written in. Stringent testing of web applications before public release is done to prevent such exploits from occurring. For example, if a contact form is provided on a website, it should include a captcha field, which prevents computer programs (bots) from automatically filling forms and email spamming.
Keeping a web server safe from intrusion is often called Server Hardening. Many technologies come into play to keep information on the Internet safe when it is transmitted from one location to another. For instance TLS certificates (or “SSL certificates”) are issued by certificate authorities to help prevent Internet fraud. Many developers often employ different forms of encryption when transmitting and storing sensitive information. A basic understanding of information technology security concerns is often part of a web developer’s knowledge.
Because new security holes are found in web applications even after testing and launch, security patch updates are frequent for widely used applications. It is often the job of web developers to keep applications up to date as security patches are released and new security concerns are discovered.
A study conducted involving web engineering practice revealed that web application development has several characteristics that have to be addressed and these include: short development life-cycle times; different business models; multi-disciplinary development teams; small development teams working on similar tasks; business analysis and evaluation with end-users; explicit requirement and rigorous training against requirements; and, maintenance.
Web application testing
Web applications undergo the same unit, integration and system testing as traditional desktop applications. Web application testing has the same goals, which involve:
- the determination that the application is working correctly;
- the identification of errors that need correction.
The testing process of Web applications, however, has some special characteristics, making it a little different from a test used for other types of software.
Because Web application clients vary greatly, teams might perform some additional testing, such as:
- Security
- Performance, Load, and Stress
- HTML/CSS validation
- Accessibility
- Usability
- Cross-browser compatibility
Web application development frameworks
Practicing code reuse and using web application frameworks can greatly improve both productivity and time to market. Reusing externally developed components can enable your organization to reap benefits, while potentially saving you money. However, for smaller components, it might be just as easy to develop your own components as it would be to learn new APIs. Also, if a component is essential to the business, an organization might want to control its development.
Web application development methodology
The main objective of following a methodology is to make the web application development cycle as efficient as possible, to complete website development with the lowest possible cost, while maintaining the highest quality, and to achieve the fastest turn-around.
Another important objective is to make future maintenance easier and faster.
The development cycle for each and every project is some ways unique, depending on your requirements and particular operating environment.
How to Choose a Software Development Methodology
Custom web application development includes:
The development of complete systems and web applications utilizing C/C++, ASP.NET, Go, Java, Node.js, Python, PHP or Ruby.
Why custom Web application development?
- Freedom from restrictions imposed by off-the-shelf software.
- The ability to have your system work the way you would like.
- Complete control of your website’s functionality.
- Integration with existing applications.
- Database or external API connectivity.
Why Nexus Software? Since 1995, Nexus Software Systems has been developing, reliable, scalable, high performance, secure Web functionality. You get much more than an award-winning website development. With your custom designed functionality, you get unlimited support every step of the way via free phone and email-based support systems.
When you choose Nexus Software Systems for your custom web application development, you get cost effective functionality by an experienced team of web application developers.
Your web application is built from the ground up to be optimized for usability and functionality. This enables you to have a high performance application that works properly from the start, that is easy to maintain and enhance.
- You get the job done right and quickly.
- Your desired functionality is guaranteed.
- You save time and money.
- Our experience and performance is second to none.
- Your success is what motivates us.
When you’re ready, contact us to learn more about custom Web application development …
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