Application Types

We are all familiar with the term 'applications', especially since we install a lot of them on our smartphones. However, we can also find this type of software on televisions, game consoles and even on computers.

There are several ways to classify the apps, either according to the equipment on which they are executed, according to their functions and characteristics or simply considering that they are native or hybrid, concepts that we are going to analyze in this article.

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What are Applications?

An application is a type of computer software that is used to expand the functions or perform certain tasks from a device. These do not control the OS as such, but they can access some of its sectors to make changes or use its resources.

In the smartphone There are app stores like Play Store or the App Store, while on desktop computers we also have the Microsoft Store and other stores specific to each operating system, from where we can download and install them in a safe way.

Differences between applications and software

Many tend to relate apps to computer software, and in reality, they are practically the same. The difference is that previously both terms were used to differentiate third-party software that was installed on the computer and on the mobile phone, although currently the concept is used "Apps" for any external tool that is installed or run on an operating system.

However, applications should not be confused with the main software or operating system, since the latter is practically the life of the computer and is where the apps are run, since without the first would not exist nor would the second work.

The 5 Types of Applications That Exist

We can divide the applications depending on the device we are going to use to run them or according to the structuring conditions of their code, whether it is a native development, that is, only to run on the intended device; in a web-based manner, which requires a browser and internet connection, as well as in a hybrid manner, which uses both characteristics to work.

1. Native Applications

A native app It is one that is developed using the code of an operating system, allowing the use of all or some resources of said system, in which it will be executed in order to function.

The most characteristic of the native apps is that they are exclusive, although developers can independently create native applications for different devices, but by restructuring their code and making important changes.

These may require an internet connection to extract information from servers or access a database, but it is not mandatory and depends entirely on the application being created, as they can even function smoothly without the Internet.

Furthermore, the great advantage of this type of applications is that they can be constantly update without taking into account that they may fail due to different errors in non-compatible systems. For example, in Play Store We got native apps for Android, while in the App Store There are applications for iOS and in the Microsoft Store to Windows.

2. Web applications

The word Web App those that work completely from the web. These are applications that are loaded on servers and online pages, where their tools and systems are executed.

An advantage of web apps is that they can be run simultaneously from a PC, a mobile phone or any other device compatible with the platform, without the need to create individual applications for each operating system, but using from a browser only.

However, this makes them dependent on the browser, which are other applications. In addition, they may have execution problems if the equipment's features are not good enough or if they are outdated to the latest definitions required by browsers.

Web apps mean a considerable reduction in development costs and can do practically the same tasks as a native app, with the invariable condition that you are connected to the internet or else they will never work.

It should also be considered that a web app necessarily requires that it be developed using the languages ​​of programming that uses the page from where the service will be offered, and not those used by the OS on which you are going to run it.

3. Hybrid applications

As the name suggests, hybrid apps are a Combining native systems with web applications, requiring a bit of the requirements of both types. On the one hand, it requires an internet connection and that can be a drawback in some cases.

The hybrid apps They are developed using the code or programming language of the native system on which they will be executed, but their entire interface and functions are hosted in a small internal browser.

That is, use the access icon to enter the website, without having to install a browser additional to use the services. This creates some issues, such as loading tends to be a bit slower than a native app.

We can generally find hybrid applications with the ending of "lite", since it hardly uses the storage internal because they will always be hosting the content extracted from their online servers, making them cheaper in terms of development requirements.

4. Computer applications

On desktop computers or portable Traditional applications can be found both native, such as hybrids and webs, but taking into account some changes due to the nature of this type of device.

And it is that computer applications They tend to be much more complex, heavy and demanding in terms of resources, and are designed to be managed using hardware external such as keyboard or mouse.

Of course, a computer app is much more useful in the professional field and, in fact, they can be purchased from any website without having to go to an official store, although you must meet many more demands than when it comes to a mobile phone.

For example, there are software or computer programs that require a lot of RAM and processing resources, such as video editors or video games, so you will need meet all these requirements to be able to use and execute them.

5. Extensions, Add-ons or plugins

Reviews are rarely made on the Extensions, although these are also considered applications. The difference between them and a web app is that they are not run from a server or online page, but from the browser add-ons bar or from some other program.

They are also known as Add-ons and are used to perform simple tasks such as turning up the volume, downloading videos, changing the font size, reading your emails, and almost always focusing on a particular feature.

Of course, extensions are applications that also depend on other apps, because we can download them to expand the functionalities that certain programs offer us. For example, it is possible to add more effects on a platform to transmit via streaming with an extension.

Typically, these types of apps are much simpler and more specific than web apps, which have many more tools and can perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Of course, you do need download compatible version of the tool you are going to install it on.

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6. Other types of applications

Although they are more widely used in the mobile and computer world, Applications are also developed for other devices such as smart TVs, video game consoles and even players like Year of the TV.

They can often be found under the name of 'channels', that allow access to all the functions of a server to view streaming content or to perform some tasks on the executing computer.

In the case of video game consoles, an application allows you to see the storage status, connect your mobile as an additional controller (depending on the console), as well as watch movies, series or access internet sites with built-in browsers.