How To Build A Web App In 5 Stages?

In the age of technological proliferation, the appetite for seamless user experiences has surged among consumers. Incessant screen time has heightened their expectations, demanding nothing less than superlative performance, unrivaled personalization, unwavering flexibility, impregnable security, and effortless scalability. 

And all can be cocooned in answer to the question: How to build a web app?

As a provider of web app development services, it is incumbent upon us to keep pace with these expectations. Failure to do so would render you obsolete in the eyes of the discerning customer, lost amidst the relentless tide of cutting-edge innovation.

Custom web app development is a task that requires a deep understanding of numerous moving parts and interacting components. To dive into the intricate maze of technicalities and emerge as a winner, we must break down these complex parts into manageable chunks and study how they all fit together. 

Stage 1: Build on Your Idea

Venturing into technological innovation requires a degree of prudence and strategic acumen. It is not every notion that warrants the best way to build a web app. Conducting thorough research on the problem at hand is paramount. It requires delving into the root cause of the issue and analyzing how technology can be leveraged to mitigate it. 

Engaging with potential users, gleaning insight from their firsthand experiences, and soliciting feedback on possible solutions are integral steps toward identifying the most viable option.

If the result is unequivocal, and the custom web app development strategy can seamlessly address the quandary at hand, then rejoice! You have achieved a milestone and can proceed to the next phase with alacrity.

Conduct user market research

The cornerstone of success in researching your competitors and customers lies in conducting meticulous and exhaustive research. 

If a similar product already exists in the market, gathering data about it can serve as a launchpad to augment your own idea. To accomplish this, you can turn to web apps like Betalist and Product Hunt, which afford access to competitors' applications. 

Also, a comprehensive competitive analysis should encompass the following elements:

• Product information
• User information and demographics
• Company and brand information

Leveraging these tools will empower you with critical product information that will lay the foundation for a unique selling proposition. You can deploy market research and search engine optimization (SEO) tools to uncover trends or execute small-scale pilot programs to gain insights into a comparable business model.

To point out the significance of this research, our CEO, Furqan Aziz, once said, and I quote,

Plan out the key features of your web app 

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern business, celerity is of paramount importance. However, the pursuit of swiftness must not come at the expense of building a web app from scratch. There is no quickest way to develop a web app. At this juncture, it behooves us to pose a fundamental question: what exactly does our web application aim to achieve?

In order to prioritize the pivotal features and functionality of our web app, we must first compile a comprehensive list of all desired features, major and minor alike. This can be accomplished through the MoSCoW approach, which categorizes features into four tiers:

• Mo — Must-have features
• S — Should-have features
• Co — Could-have features
• W — Won't-need features

These categories will serve as the bedrock for subsequent planning phases, feedback sessions, wireframing, prototyping, and the eventual creation of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

Furthermore, this lean product boasts the core functionality and features necessary to place it in the hands of early adopters. Thereby, it facilitates invaluable feedback and fosters rapid iteration.

Stage 2: Find a Trustworthy Technology Partner 

Now that you have gained a lucid understanding of the web application that you desire to build, it is incumbent upon you to outsource a dependable and proficient software development team to convert your vision into a tangible and functional solution.

At InvoZone, our team comprises seasoned business analysts, designers, developers, and quality assurance engineers, who will undertake a comprehensive appraisal of your project and deduce the most efficient and cost-effective approach to creating a web application.

We have kept our practices completely transparent. To this end, visit our website and peruse the case studies.

Not convinced yet? Heed the testimonials furnished by our contented customers on the company website.

Stage 3: Design the Web App Prototype

Let's face it, words can only go so far. To really build a secure web application, you gotta get your hands dirty and sketch out how the features will function and how users will flow from screen to screen.

Now, don't worry if you're not exactly the next Picasso. Good old pencil and paper are still a solid way to kick things off. But if you're feeling fancy, there are plenty of digital tools out there to help you map out the details of how to build a web app. So, let’s dive into the phase of designing a web application: 

Define a user journey

The user journey map is like a master storyteller, painting a vivid picture of the user's experience as they navigate through your web app. It's all about putting the customer at the forefront of your thinking and understanding their motivations, needs, and obstacles along the way.

By meticulously mapping out every step of the user's journey, you'll gain invaluable insights into their thought process and be better equipped to address any pain points in your UX design. After all, a seamless user experience is key to keeping your customers happy and returning for more.

Wireframing

A wireframe is a blueprint, laying out the foundation and structure of your web app. It focuses on functionality and figuring out where everything goes before you start adding the bells and whistles.

Think of wireframes as a black-and-white sketch, keeping things simple so that everyone can focus on the big picture without getting caught up in flashy design elements. By mapping out how the pages interact and change in response to user input or system prompts, you'll have a solid foundation to build upon as you move forward with the design process.

You can create a wireframe using the following tools: 

• Figma
• InVision Studio 
• Mockplus RP
• Illustrator
• Adobe XD, Sketch, etc.

Build a prototype 

Still, stuck on how to build a web app? Start small. 

By introducing supplementary interactivity to the wireframes, the resultant prototype can emulate the actual web application in terms of appearance and behavior.

With enhanced UX components, users can experience the prototype firsthand and provide valuable feedback on functionality, design, and user experience. This approach enables stakeholders to identify and resolve issues prior to the full-scale development phase.

Visual Design

The domain of visual design surpasses mere colors, fonts, and embellishments. It encompasses a set of rules and guidelines that operate, often unbeknownst to the viewer.

 

The elements of visual application design can be broken down into five tools: 

Layout

The layout serves as the fundamental framework for a well-crafted page. Its columns provide an unassuming yet indispensable guide for the placement of on-screen elements, ensuring their appropriate width and placement.

And let us not overlook the significance of the unassuming gutters, whose delicate white space separates the columns and preserves the clarity of the page. Indeed, it is through their judicious use that the eye may seamlessly navigate the page, unhindered by any chaos or confusion.

Typography

A judicious application of typography is essential to establish a compelling visual hierarchy, imbue the web app with graphic equilibrium, and set the product's overarching tone.

Moreover, it serves as a guide, imparting valuable information to users, enhancing legibility, and promoting accessibility. Ultimately, it offers an exceptional user experience. 

Color

Color is a dominant and universal language used as a communication tool in visual design. It possesses the power to impact our emotions and perceptions significantly.

Designers frequently utilize color schemes to highlight specific design elements. Point often overlooked, it evokes desired moods and emotions in viewers. Through selective use of color, designers create a sense of harmony, balance, and consistency in their designs.

Imagery

Should your focus lie on functional application design, the visual components most suitable for facilitating user identification and interaction with tools and services are icons.

In present-day applications, the utilization of icons is often associated with the usage of icon fonts or scalable vector graphics (SVG). Additionally, it is a visually versatile image format that can be controlled in size and color through cascading style sheets (CSS).

Styled controls

In the absence of cascading style sheets (CSS) and, at times, JavaScript, form elements in web applications tend to assume their respective browser-based styles, causing them to exhibit incongruent visual characteristics. 

To impart consistency and align interface controls with the application's overarching persona, it behooves web developers to style form elements so that they feel like an integral and coherent constituent of the entire application.

Some contemporary responsive web frameworks, such as Bootstrap, integrate rudimentary form-element styling and animated focus effects. They elevate the refinement quotient of their overall appearance. 

Furthermore, JavaScript libraries and tools such as jQuery extend a high degree of flexibility to developers. They personalize form elements to assimilate with the application's visual design seamlessly.

Stage 4: Code Development

Here comes the technical part, where you need the assistance of the coders to build a web app. We have divided this stage into four parts, which are explained below:

Choose a tech stack 

Within our vocation, we conduct our affairs by adopting time-tested and well-established technologies, such as Elixir, Python, Ruby on Rails, Java, PHP, React, and Node.js.

With regard to the web frameworks utilized at InvoZone, our preference unconditionally gravitates towards the utilization of Node.js and React.js. As per the recently published StackOverflow Developer Survey of 2022, they represent the most prevalent custom web app development technologies employed by seasoned professionals.

However, our technical connoisseurs remain resolute in their commitment to keeping abreast of emerging technologies. In furtherance of this objective, we have recently augmented our tech stack by incorporating the Vue.js framework, which has witnessed a significant surge in popularity of late. Its diverse features and functionalities render it a viable option for crafting adaptive, visually alluring, and operationally efficient user interfaces for web applications.

Database schema 

The database serves as the code repository to build a modern web application. It provides a vital function of storing, collecting, processing, and managing data while ensuring secure access. Choosing a suitable database may seem like a relatively uncomplicated task, as the market is essentially dominated by two contenders, MySQL, and other options such as MongoDB and PostgreSQL. 

However, the most critical factor to consider when selecting a database is security and the imperviousness of data to unauthorized disclosure. After making the choice of database, the subsequent step is the development of the architecture, which conventionally follows an MVC (Model-View-Controller) framework.

Once implemented, keeping tabs on database performance is paramount not only for your web app’s usability but also for the aforementioned security factors. This can be achieved with the help of a database performance monitoring tool, giving you real-time insights that can be used to detect anomalies, as well as to troubleshoot and improve your app in an efficient manner.

Work on front-end development

The front end of an application is the user-facing part that enables users to interact with it. Typically, it's built using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

However, there are various frameworks available in customized web app development that can make front-end development faster and easier. If you're interested in learning about these frameworks, check out our blog post on JavaScript frameworks!

Develop back-end APIs 

The backend is a crucial component that handles the underlying logic, database, and server.

A plethora of options exist for backend development, starting with the fundamental decision between multi-page and single-page applications. Given the vastness of the backend domain, several frameworks can aid in its development, with options influenced by technology stack and language. 

Among the popular frameworks are NodeJS, Laravel, and Ruby on Rails, to name a few.

API Integration 

API integration serves as the conduit for data exchange between the front-end and back-end APIs. It's the essential link that enables the communication between the two, facilitating seamless data transfer.

Test your app

Testing emphasizes the proper functioning of a web application and its ability to handle unforeseen scenarios.

It begins early in the development phase, with unit, component, and integration tests. It continues throughout the development process to the user interface, where user feedback plays an essential role in testing. 

By rigorously testing the application at every stage, developers can identify and address any issues, ensuring a smooth user experience and finding the easiest way to build a web app.

Stage 5: Launch 

Choose the platform for hosting your application and move into the deployment stage. 

Hosting

Hosting your web application is a pivotal step that enables users to access it from any corner of the globe through the cloud. It opens up new possibilities and offers instant connectivity to your application.

To demonstrate, several renowned hosting providers are available to choose from. Namely, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft Azure are among the most popular ones.

When considering a hosting service, it's essential to weigh factors that are briefly explained below:

Price 

Opting for the cheapest offer may not be the wisest decision, particularly if your web app's profitability is at stake. Therefore, carefully consider each hosting option's features and benefits. Then compare prices to make an informed decision. 

Area of specialization

Researching a company's area of focus and expertise before purchasing can prove beneficial. Look for a provider that understands your unique needs and has a proven track record in your industry. Similarly, reading reviews and references online can offer insights into a company's strengths and weaknesses. These endeavors will aid in making an informed decision.

Technical limitations 

Technical considerations are crucial when selecting a hosting service. Before making a decision, take a close and honest look at your web app's intended purpose and requirements. If you plan on hosting a blog, an e-commerce site, or content-rich media such as videos, opting for the cheapest hosting package may not suffice. 

Consider the technical specifications and features of each hosting package. Then, determine if they align with your web app's needs to avoid performance issues or limitations down the line.

Add-on features

These additional components can make a hosting provider stand out from the competition. Thus, consider what sets each provider apart. Evaluate the additional incentives they offer to make your web app with them more appealing. 

Equally important, look for hosting providers offering features that align with your application's needs and requirements.

Tech support

When selecting a hosting provider, it's crucial to evaluate their customer support reputation. Research the various ways to contact them. The communication channel can be an email, toll-free phone, or chat. Also, determine if they offer 24/7 support. Additionally, consider if the provider outsources support or handles it in-house. 

Customer reviews

Reading customer reviews can also offer insights into the quality of their customer support.

Scalability

This feature is another essential factor to consider when choosing a hosting provider and plan. Ensuring your chosen provider and plan can accommodate your website's growth is crucial. 

What may be sufficient hosting now may not suffice in a few years when your website experiences increased traffic and sales. Therefore, selecting a provider that offers scalability and the flexibility to upgrade your plan as your website grows is important.

Deployment 

The final step involves migrating it from the source control system to the hosting provider's cloud. Several tools are available to assist with this step, including GitHub, GitLab, Jenkins, and Bitbucket.

These tools can help automate the migration process, resulting in a seamless transition from development to production. 

By utilizing these tools, you can also streamline the migration process. It will ensure your web app is up and running on the hosting provider's cloud as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Cost Models Tailored to Your Needs

Recruiting web app developers can be a daunting task since it involves unfiltered and unavoidable complications. Additionally, the cost to develop a web app can vary depending on the region. However, InvoZone can serve as your savior by providing competent web developers to solve all your development challenges.

Our team can integrate into your projects in several ways, catering to your specific requirements. Discover the available options below and select the one that aligns best with your needs.

Build A Scalable Web App with InvoZone

As a top-notch web-based app development company, we have the skills and know-how to analyze your business requirements. Our developers will utilize the best framework to keep you ahead of the curve. Whether you need a complete stack design or just some guidance on which application to use, our experts are ready and waiting to lend a helping hand.

So don't wait any longer! Connect with us today, and let us take your business to new heights with our awesome web application development services. And you won't be disappointed.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is creating a web app easy?

No. It is a laborious process that involves days of precision-working and careful coding. 

How long does it take to build a web app? 

The average time can range from 7 months to 12 months. 

How much does it cost to build a web app? 

The average cost to build a web app can go as low as $50,000 to as high as $150,000. 

What is the fastest way to build a web app?

Following the steps to build a web app in the fastest way possible: 

• Define Your Problem. 
• Plan the Workflow. 
• Prototype Your Web App. 
• Validate Your Prototype.
• Build Your App.
• Test Your App. 
• Host & Launch Your Web Apps.

How to create a web app using HTML?

To build a web app using HTML, follow these steps: plan the layout and functionality, write HTML code, organize files and folders, use CSS to style, use JavaScript to add interactivity, test the app, and deploy it to a web server.