Web applications are essential to the digital world, but creating one that is seamless, effective, and future-proof takes more than just lines of code. Web development has advanced so quickly that a vast array of frameworks, tools, and practices have emerged, resulting in a complex ecosystem. The web development ecosystem requires in-depth knowledge, hands-on experience and real-time data analytics.
Modern software applications can easily handle the “architecture” thanks to technological advancements. Constructing a web application that is modern and efficient can be just as difficult as building a multipurpose building.
We can walk you through every step of the web application architecture process if you’re interested to know more. Here’s an overview of contemporary web application architecture, covering its essential elements, types, and models.
What is Web Application Architecture?
Web application architecture has a broad definition that varies depending on the purpose of the web application being built. An interaction model of web application components is called an architecture. Web application architecture is a structural arrangement that defines the design and development of a web app. It basically outlines how diverse parts of a web system such as backend, frontend and database interact, organize and function together to deliver an efficient and interactive web application.
In short, web application architecture is like an architect who ensures that when users, software developers and other stakeholders of a web system interact with the app, it runs smoothly, quickly and securely – without any hassle.
Web Application Architecture Components
Web application architecture include following components that work collaboratively to deliver cohesive software product:
- Client-side Components:
Also referred to as front-end components. It functions similarly to web browsers on user devices. These components manage user input, UI (user interface), and business logic using JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and frameworks such as Angular, Vue, and React. Js, and so forth.
- Server-side Components:
Also known as the web server or back-end component. The server-side component gives client-side elements access to advanced functionality and data. A software web server, an application server, and several programming languages, including .NET, Python, PHP, and Ruby on Rails, are typically included in this architecture. These parts also manage user authentication, security, and data storage and retrieval.
- Application Components:
These are the essential parts of the application. They are in charge of managing workflow, data processing, and business logic. These components, which include web services, microservices, and APIs, are developed using particular languages and frameworks.
- Database:
Manages all activities pertaining to data and stores and retrieves app data. Database servers, which use DBMS such as MongoDB, MySQL, PostgreSQL, etc., can be structured or unstructured.
Types of Web Application Architecture
An architecture type for a web application is a specific pattern that governs how the various components communicate with one another. Three categories could be used to categorize the overarching layers: hosting approach, server side architecture, and client side architecture.
Client-side Architecture
1: Single-Page Application Architecture
This web application is made to display only relevant content. In order to accomplish this, it loads the pertinent web page first, then dynamically modifies the representation of its content to reflect only the data that has been requested.
Advantages of single-page app architecture:
- faster performance
- increased UX flexibility
Cons of single-page app architecture:
- longer testing times
- potential loss of unsaved work
- slower initial load speed
2: Progressive Web Apps
Because of their distinctive format, progressive web apps continue to be one of the most promising web app trends. Through a shared URL, they provide a simple and efficient user experience that is accessible from any browser or device. Progressive web apps are widely used in a variety of industries, including eCommerce, finance, and entertainment.
Advantages of progressive web app architecture:
- Affordability
- Cross-device compatibility
- Web traffic generation potential
- A fully functional app experience
- Browser availability
Cons of progressive web app architecture:
- Limited browser support
- Native APIs are not used consistently
Server-side Approach
Microservice Architecture
Microservices are often used as a substitute for unreliable monolithic web application architectures on the server side. They distribute the capability to provide discrete, light-weight services.
Microservice architecture has become more and more popular these days due to its stability and flexibility, and companies like Netflix, eBay, and Amazon are using it for their complex requirements.
Pros of microservice architecture:
- Easy to scale up
- Simple-to-use code
- Module deployment is independent
Disadvantages of microservice architecture:
- Challenging testing
- Debugging and complex deployment
Hosting Approach
Serverless Architecture
In serverless architecture type, businesses choose to outsource both server and infrastructure management to a third-party cloud service provider. This is to prevent the intervention of web logic into the server and infrastructure functioning.
Companies generally opt for serverless architecture as a solution to focus on front-end tasks by delegating server and back-end management to a trusted third-party vendor.
Advantages of serverless architecture:
- Hassle of server management is minimized
- Scalable due to the absence of server
- Increased latency
Disadvantages of serverless architecture:
- Security could be compromised
- Complexity is high
Best Practices in Web Application Architecture
Observing these guidelines is essential to ensuring a solid and effective web application architecture.
- Use Caching: Caching mechanisms reduce repetitive data retrieval and processing, which improves performance.
- Employ a Microservices Architecture: To create small, autonomous services, think about embracing (adopting) a microservices architecture. This facilitates efficient updates and improves maintainability and scalability.
- Employ a Scalable Infrastructure: In order to meet the increasing demands of users, implement a scalable infrastructure. Flexible scaling options can be provided as needed by cloud-based services like Microsoft Azure, AWS, and GCP (Google Cloud Platform).
- Adhere to the Model-View-Controller (MVC) Architecture Pattern: MVC helps to divide application concerns. This makes updates more accessible and improves maintainability.
- Create APIs First, Build the Front End Later: Begin by creating APIs that allow your back end to communicate with your front end. This makes it easier for you to create a solid and effective back end that can direct the front end’s development.
- Boost Security Measures: Make security the top priority across your architecture. To protect user data and uphold confidence, implement strong user authentication and authorization procedures, encryption, and stringent data validation.
Latest Trends in Web Application Architecture
- AI & Machine Learning (ML) Revolution
AI and ML methodologies can be leveraged in application architecture to improvise user experience and enhance web app performance.
- Advancement in Edge Computing
Since edge computing allows users and devices to be as close to data sources as possible, we can improve our application’s responsiveness by incorporating edge computing.
- Serverless Architecture
Where the cloud is at the core of architecture is called “serverless architecture”. Serverless architecture involves scalability and cost-effective solutions for your application architecture.
- Microservices
Microservices encourages loosely coupled structures and arrangements in web application architecture, to allow software architects to develop and deploy their services independently.
To Sum Up
In a world of continuous digital advancement, web application developers should stay abreast of latest trends in application architecture. The success of a web app is closely knitted to its architecture. Hence, it is critical to have a solid, highly-functional and efficient web application architecture for a flawless web-based integration and communication among various parts of the web system.
If you’re grappling with developing a highly-optimized web application architecture for your business, we’re here to help. Reach out to Stackup Solutions and we’ll ensure you the ultimate triumph!
FAQs
- Why is web application architecture important?
A web application architecture is crucial for your digital products because it allows you to quickly and smoothly integrate new features into your application. Working with the right type of application architecture enables you to spend less time on web development since everything is appropriately organized among the disparate parts. Moreover, web application architecture offers scalable, cost-effective and optimized solutions for your web apps.
- How to identify the right web application architecture for your needs?
The first step to find the right application architecture is by defining your business goals and future prospects. Sometimes, if your web application is simple, it would be much easier to choose the best web app architecture type. However, if your business requirements are complex, and you still could not find what type to choose. You can consult our web app architecture team to comprehensively discuss and suggest the most suitable web architecture solution for you.
