The ABC of Web Application Architecture
Web applications are those applications that run on web browsers. A web browser is software used to access and interact with web pages. The word “application” in the word “web application” refers to its main function: allowing users to perform tasks through the internet. Web apps are composed of several layers, which communicate with each other using interfaces. These layers are responsible for user interaction, content storage, database management, network communication, and business logic.
Web Application Architecture
When users log into their desktops/laptops/mobile devices, open the browser, and enter website names, browsers display the requested info and users perform several actions over the Web. Have you thought about the way computers are collating all this info and what is there that happens in the background? It is the fundamental web application architecture that is making these processes possible. Typically, web app architecture consists of three main components, as follows:
- Web Browser
- Web Server
- Database Server
Three-Tier Application Architecture
Three-Tier application architecture is the most common type of web application design. In this system, user functionality is contained in the client interface and business logic in a server; this arrangement is known as the 3-tier architecture. A 3-tier system consists of a client interface (client layer or the presentation layer), middleware (application layer or the business layer), and database tier (i.e. the data layer). The client interface contains all user interfaces including web pages and applications for handheld devices. The middleware connects users to external services such as cloud storage or social media platforms. Finally, the database stores user data and performs database operations such as transaction processing or data analysis.
Layers of Web Application Architecture
A traditional web application consists of several layers: client, server, and presentation (web page). The presentation layer contains all HTML code used to create web pages. It connects to the server layer via an interface known as the HTTP protocol to retrieve data and send commands to databases or external services. This model is mostly applicable when designing text-based websites where users interact with individual web pages rather than networks of apps communicating with each other using APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). With modern multi-platform apps accessible through internet browsers, this model may be inadequate for complex systems since it limits user interaction to just a few websites without additional plugins or apps. Web applications also have backend services such as security, networking, or cloud computing technologies. Some systems consist solely of backend services without any frontend components whatsoever; this model is often referred to as an API-first approach since all endpoints are accessible via an API (Application Programming Interface) instead of individual frontend apps.
Layers of Modern Web Application Architecture
Modern web applications are often designed with several independent components that communicate using interfaces. These systems may contain several layers communicating via protocols such as HTTP(S), WebSockets, or SocketCAN. Implementing independent components allows for more complex systems than traditional multi-page website designs due to increased flexibility in customizing user experience according to backend services they use. For instance, if a user uses Google Docs while browsing a website hosted by that website’s owner, he may see Google Docs features appear on that website’s page rather than Google’s own features.
- Presentation Layer
- Client-side Component (Front-end)
- Application Layer
- Server-side Component (Back-end)
- Application Programming Interface (API)
- Server Instance / Cloud Instance
- Data Layer
- Database
Legacit Web Application Development Services
Designing effective web applications requires knowledge of both current design patterns and trends in modern app development. Both three-tier app architecture and independent components communicating interfaces are examples of these trends. As technology advances continue at a rapid pace, so does our understanding of how best to develop software for our ever-growing needs. Although traditional multi-page app design has its merits, it is increasingly being supplemented by alternative approaches such as independent components communicating using protocols. For effective web application development, contacting Legacit would be the ideal step from your side!