A web application is a computer program that runs on a web browser and is accessible over the Internet. A web application does not need to be installed on a computer or mobile device. Instead, it is hosted on a server from which users access it by connecting from a web browser.

To develop a web application, you generally need a combination of several technologies. The choice of these will depend on the needs of the client and the objectives planned for the application. To give you an idea, here is a list of some common technologies and tools used in web application development:

• HTML and CSS: it allows the creation of the structure and style of the user interface (UI).
• JavaScript: allows you to add interactive and dynamic features to the application (animations, effects, etc.).
• A variety of web frameworks: there are several such as “Angular”, “React”, “Vue.js”, etc. The aim of web frameworks is to simplify application development and manage display logic.
• A web server: with solutions like “Apache“, “Nginx“, and others, it is possible to host the web application and provide access to it via the Internet.
• Server programming languages: with programming languages ​​like “PHP”, “Python”, “Ruby”, we can manage the logic of the web application at the server level.
• A database: crucial to successfully organize and store all the data in the web application, here we can use technologies such as “MySQL”, “PostgreSQL”, “MongoDB”, and many others.
• APIs: they allow you to integrate third-party functionalities into a web application. Some examples of features may include “payments”, “social networks”, “CMS”, “plugins”, and others.
• Version management tools: web development solutions, such as Git, allow you to track changes made to the source code of the web application.

It is therefore important to choose the technology best suited to the needs of the web application taking into account the company’s objectives. You will also need to ensure that you work with a web development team recognized in the field that follows best practices to guarantee the quality, security and performance of the web application.

The process of creating an attractive and user-friendly user interface (UI) for a web application can be complex. The fact remains that it is essential for the best experience for your users. At Oshara, here’s how we go about creating a successful user interface for your web application:

• Understanding your users’ needs: Before you start designing the user interface of your web application, it is important to understand the needs and expectations of users and their behaviors. We do this through surveys, interviews or usability tests.
• The design of a clear information architecture: we plan the structure of your web application using a clear information architecture. This will allow your users to quickly understand where they are in the web application and how to navigate it easily.
• Simplifying the interface: we avoid overloading the interface with too many features. Simplifying the interface makes it easier to use and understand.
• Use of readable typography and appropriate colors: We use readable and consistent typography for titles, paragraphs and interface buttons. This helps to help users navigate and understand the most important information. A color palette suited to the theme of the web application helps create contrast between key elements better to guide users through the interface.
• The use of icons and images: it helps add a visual touch to the interface to allow your users to navigate effectively through a web application.
• Mobile-friendly design (responsive design): your interface, if responsive or adapted to mobile devices, will allow your users to access your web application via their phone or tablet.
• Testing and iteration: we test the user interface with real users of the Web Application and iterate on it based on the feedback and results obtained.

These different steps help us create an attractive and friendly user interface for your web application, and provide a pleasant and intuitive user experience.

The development of a web application can often seem very simple to the client when in reality the web development team must overcome many obstacles throughout the process. Among these challenges, here are a few:

• Security: it is one of the main challenges encountered during the development of a web application, because of the attacks to which web applications are often exposed. To overcome this challenge, following security best practices will be extremely important. This will include, for example, the use of HTTPS security protocols, the application of access controls, the validation of all user input and the regular updating of the web application .
• Performance: This is another major challenge faced while developing a custom web application, as users expect a fast, accurate and functional web application. Thanks to performance testing tools, we can create a web application with the desired performance standards.
• Browser Compatibility: With a wide variety of web browsers and their differences in implementation, it can be difficult to develop a universally compatible web application. But by using compatibility testing tools on a regular basis to identify these compatibility issues, one can successfully ensure maximum compatibility of the web application in different browsers.
• Version management: this is a major challenge and continues throughout the process of developing the web application by a team composed of several developers working on it simultaneously. Using version control tools to manage changes in code and working closely with the development team to ensure consistency and clear communication is the best way to address this challenge. 
• Scalability: A web application must be scalable and adapt to continuous changes over time in its use (increase in traffic, operations, connections, etc.). Overcome this challenge by using scalable technologies like the Cloud and then plan the architecture of the web application in anticipation of future usage needs as you grow.

There are obviously several other challenges, but by focusing on these already, you can develop a reliable, secure and high-performance web application.

There are several ways to test a web application before deploying it. Here are some common methods:

• Unit tests: Unit tests aim to check the functioning of each individual part of the web application. For this, we can use unit testing frameworks like “JUnit” for Java applications or “Mocha” for JavaScript applications.
• Integration tests: Integration tests are carried out to evaluate the overall functioning of the web application by checking how the different parts interact with each other. They can be carried out using testing frameworks such as “Selenium” or “Cypress”.
• Load testing: Load testing is intended to simulate a large number of users simultaneously accessing the web application to check if it can support a large load. Tools such as “Apache JMeter” are used to perform load testing.
• Security tests: Security tests help identify possible security vulnerabilities in the web application and ensure that it is protected against potential attacks. For this, specialized tools such as “Burp Suite” can be used to carry out security tests.

It is important to test the application at different levels to ensure its proper functioning and security before deploying it.