Web App

What Is a Web App?

A software application that runs in a web browser, using internet technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Web apps are everywhere, from the tools your team uses to manage projects, to the portals your clients log into for updates. Unlike traditional software that must be downloaded, a web app runs entirely in your browser, making it easier to use, update, and scale across teams and clients.

Web App: Meaning and Definition

A web app (short for web application) is a software application that runs in a web browser, using internet technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It’s accessible via a URL and doesn’t require installation, users simply log in and start interacting.

The term web-based app is often used interchangeably, and both refer to any software you access and use through a browser rather than on a locally installed program.

Common examples of web apps include:

Online banking dashboards
Project management tools (like Trello or Asana)
CRMs and internal business tools
Client or admin portals
Web-based forms, surveys, or booking systems

Benefits of Web Apps for Businesses

Web apps have become the default for modern business software due to their accessibility and flexibility. Key benefits include:

No installation required—just a web browser and internet connection
Cross-device compatibility, including desktops, tablets, and mobile
Centralized updates—no need for users to install new versions
Scalable access for both internal teams and external users
Cost-effective deployment and faster launch timelines

For teams managing remote work, client collaboration, or distributed operations, web apps provide a frictionless way to connect and deliver services.

Web Apps vs Native Apps

Learn what a web app is, how web-based apps work, and how Noloco helps you build browser-based business tools for clients or teams without writing any code.

Feature	Web App	Native App
Access	Through a web browser	Installed on a device (via App Store, etc.)
Platform	Works across devices	Built for a specific OS (iOS, Android, etc.)
Updates	Rolled out centrally	Require user action or app store approval
Development time	Typically faster	Typically longer and more costly
Offline support	Limited or conditional	More robust in native environments

Web apps are ideal for internal tools, client portals, and real-time data access—while native apps may be better suited for mobile-first, offline-heavy use cases.

Build Custom Web Apps with Noloco

Create secure, scalable web apps, without writing any code.

Noloco is a no-code platform that lets you build custom web applications for internal teams, clients, or partners. Use our point-and-click builder to create dashboards, CRMs, client portals, and more, hosted in the cloud and accessible via any browser.

What’s more, with Noloco you can build Progressive Web Apps (PWA), which work flawlessly across all mobile devices.

Centralize your data from Airtable, SQL, Google Sheets, or use our very own Noloco Tables. Automate tasks with AI-powered workflows, manage user access through role-based permissions, and deploy changes instantly.

Explore more digital transformation terms in our glossary and start building web apps that fit your team, without coding or developers.

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