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In the never-ending battle of desktop application vs web application, businesses find themselves grappling with a crucial question: Which is the perfect fit for their needs?
The quest for effectiveness and cost-friendliness intensifies, leading to a long-standing dilemma. Yet, the heart of the problem lies in the lack of understanding between these two powerhouses.
But fear not! Because this blog will unveil the core differences between the two, give a cost comparison, their unique abilities and specifications, in addition to their super examples.
So get ready to discover the ideal solution that will revolutionize your business! Let’s kick off with their basic definitions.
Desktop applications are programs constructed to run on a computer and utilize system resources to fulfill their functions. These programs perform on operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Desktop applications for comprehension can be simply defined as
“Desktop applications are software programs that run locally on computer devices. They are inaccessible from a browser and require proper deployment on a laptop or a personal computer.”
Famous examples are
Now some bits about the web application!
The web app is an application program stored on a remote server & delivered over the internet via a browser interface. In simple terms, its definition below can be helpful for you to understand.
“A web application is software that does not require installation and can be accessed from a remote server through a web browser.”
Examples of web applications are
So now is the time for their key difference, which will help you decide which one is the best for your business. Is it a desktop app or a web-based application?
Digital computers and computer apps are inseparable companions for the growth of the business. The true query is web application vs desktop application which one is the best? Then the answer lies in how better you understand your business needs.
Yet you need to have an excellent understanding of desktop vs. web application or desktop app vs. web app.
There are key differences between web applications and desktop applications that will help you decide.
The desktop apps do not have connectivity issues, whereas the web application works faster upon the internet connection.
| Desktop Application | Web Application |
| Desktop apps can work locally-users can perform various tasks such as storing and retrieving data. | Web Apps are highly dependent upon internet connectivity to perform functions upon users' demand. |
This is one of the key differences which goes more in favor of web apps and is one of the key reasons that web applications have become common.
| Desktop Application | Web Application |
| The users have to download or install the app before using it. |
Web apps do not require any installations or device updates since they can be accessed via the browser. |
This is one of the key differences which goes more in favor of web apps and is one of the key reasons that web applications have become common.
| Desktop Application | Web Application |
| The users have to download or install the app before using it. | Web apps do not require any installations or device updates since they can be accessed via the browser. |
Desktop apps are older than web apps and utilize system resources to perform their functions.
| Desktop Application | Web Application |
| Desktop apps are platform specific- an executable package must be installed for them to function. | Web applications, on the other hand, can be quickly accessed with the help of a specific URL |
In desktop apps, unlike web apps, the data is not uploaded to the cloud, making them safe. But web apps with their security protocols are now more secure than at their time of origin.
| Desktop Application | Web Application |
| Desktop apps are safeguarded by system-specific policies, and users or administrators have better control. | Web applications are a little difficult to secure and can become subject to vulnerabilities such as SQL injections, broken authentication, and malicious file execution. |
Today, most languages can be used for both web and desktop application development. For instance, Python can be utilized for the development of data science desktop apps as well as backend API for front-end web applications.
| Desktop Application | Web Application |
| Not long ago, desktop applications were developed using high-end languages such as C, C++, Java, Paskal, Swift, Go, and Ruby. | In contrast, web apps use languages such as JavaScript, PHP, CSS, and HTML. |
Want to read about tools and platforms that support instant web app development? Click here
In desktop applications vs. web applications, web applications take the lead with their different types in comparison to desktop apps. However, businesses can choose one depending on their needs.
| Desktop Application | Web Application |
| Desktop applications are not as diverse as web apps. | Web applications have different types, such as single-page web apps or progressive web apps, etc. |
You can read more about the types of web apps here.
Mobility or portability is one of the biggest reasons behind the widespread use of web apps, and they can be used anywhere at any time.
| Desktop Application | Web Application |
| Most desktop apps are not portable at all, but they can be installed and operated on other laptops whenever required. | Web apps are extremely portable and can be opened on a personal computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. |
Web apps, as well as desktop apps, have good speed, yet for desktop apps, the speed is the same everywhere.
| Desktop Application | Web Application |
| Desktop applications do not require the Internet, so they have the same speed everywhere. |
Web applications are dependent upon internet connection & increase in the number of users may slow down their speed. |
10. Cost
The desktop apps, after their development, do not require monthly or annual subscription renewal, whereas the web apps do. Also, desktop apps can be expensive because of their complexity.
| Desktop Application | Web Application |
| Desktop apps can be costly to develop also, depending on the features required. | Web applications are cheaper to develop- a top-notch one can be developed for $15,000-$50,000. |
11. Hardware specifications
In this whole discussion of desktop vs. web applications, the web apps beat the desktop apps because of the hardware specifications required.
| Desktop Application | Web Application |
| Desktop apps need proper installation and updated versions as per the system a user might be using. | Web apps do not depend upon system or hardware specifications to function. They just require internet access to run. |
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Need proof? Just take a peek at our impressive portfolio of 300+ projects completed worldwide in just eight short years. Click to view here.
From planning to deployment, we're with you at every step of the way. Share your idea, and let us take your business to new heights, expanding your customer base and boosting your profits. It's time to make your app dreams come true!
Desktop applications are software programs that run locally on computer devices. They are inaccessible from a browser. Examples of desktop applications are
A web application is software that can be accessed from a remote server through a web browser. The best example of a web application is Netflix.
This is an age-old debate: desktop application or web application, but it all boils down to your specific needs. Desktop apps offer robust functionality and offline access, while web apps offer flexibility and accessibility from any device. The choice is yours, based on what truly matters to your business.
Fahad is PM at ARFASOFTECH but has a knack for writing. He enjoys writing about the latest technologies and evolving trends. Most of his writings revolve around trending technologies and their integration into operations.
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