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HTML Accessibility Web Apps Forms

Posted by Allison Walker
Allison Walker
17,137 Points

What is the difference between a web app and a website with a form?

The accessibility videos separate web accessibility and web accessibility for "web apps". However, the only difference to me seems to be that web apps use forms, tables, and graphs. That doesn't really clarify the difference for me, because we don't learn that certain HTML tags are specific to web apps. So, what is the difference?

Allison Walker
Allison Walker
17,137 Points

In the course, Nick reviews forms, tables, and graphs. Tables and graphs, at least the ones he used are static. I'm still not sure how web apps are different.

4 Answers

Jeff Lemay
Jeff Lemay
14,268 Points
Jeff Lemay
Jeff Lemay
14,268 Points

A website is typically just static content where the user cannot interact with anything and does not have unique data specific to them. This could be a restaurant's website where you just see their address, hours, and menu or maybe a personal blog where all you can see is the main author's posts.

A web app would allow interactivity where a user might have their own profile, a calendar, a to-do list, the ability to post and make comments, etc.

Austin Dsilva
Austin Dsilva
2,516 Points
Austin Dsilva
Austin Dsilva
2,516 Points

The term "web apps" widely refers to a client/server relationship that is able to generate/process content away from a browser view and display results dynamically in your browser, on request.

Websites can have web content as either static content or incorporate dynamic results, however with the word app being thrown around so frequently, it can be a little misleading.

Forms, needless to say require interaction or results and basically have client/server relationship, whether they are in a web-app or in a website.

Not an expert on the topic, but that's my two cents worth.

Austin Dsilva
Austin Dsilva
2,516 Points

This gives a good insight:[ http://plexusweb.com/2013/04/web-site-vs-web-application-whats-the-difference/ ]

Luis Miguel González Escobar
Luis Miguel González Escobar
1,849 Points
Luis Miguel González Escobar
Luis Miguel González Escobar
1,849 Points

Website is a static web pages, that content some information, images, etc. but its just front end. WebApp is the site that we have to make a comunication between front end and back end.

Rouillie Wilkerson
Rouillie Wilkerson
10,419 Points
Rouillie Wilkerson
Rouillie Wilkerson
10,419 Points

I'm still a beginner, but this is my understanding to date. The difference between a website form and a web app, isn't much in 2018:

  • Website form: This is a user interface that's limited in functionality. The user inputs info that is received and processed on the back and front-end. Such as that used with an online job application. The user enters information into a placeholder, then clicks submit, and doesn't usually interact more than that.
  • Web App: Has a more dynamic, user interface, allowing more specific, relevant interaction. There's input and output such as accessing and navigating around an online bank account. You enter info, or click around and use submit buttons, drop-down lists, negotiate calendared bank-statements, etc.