Hello Folks! I hope you are all enjoying my blog. Today, I am sharing views on Desktop v/s Web Application. There are many advantages and disadvantages of both the applications. Both the applications are good and have their own great characteristics.
What is Desktop Application?
A Desktop application is an application that runs on various computer and you can access the same from where it is installed. The only drawback of such an application is that you can access it from a specific location only, which doesn’t allow you to use the same from any other location. In order to be able to use it on any other machine you need to install the same on other machine. Even with this drawback, Desktop Application is an amazing solution to opt for because it is a trustworthy and reliable solution. You can overcome this drawback by installing the application on a portable device such as laptop so that your access to the system is not constraint by the physical boundaries.
What is Web Application?
Unlike Desktop Application, Web application runs on various web browsers and various machines. You can access the application anywhere, anytime and on any device. Hence, you can say that it definitely overcome the drawback of Desktop Application and that the same is not constraint of physical boundaries or constraint of devices.
Let’s go to the core and find true dissimilarities between Desktop & Web application. This helps us understand the basic characteristics of both the Desktop & Web application respectively.
- Installation
You need to install the desktop application which you need to access, along with application drivers on a particular machine which may sometime depend on the operating as well. Nowadays, most people are using smart phones and crave to get each application on the phone as well, in such a case we need to create a different application which can be sued on phone and hence, you can say that it is not cost-effective.When it comes to web development all you need to do is install a web browser which enables you to access the same from anywhere & at any time. Today, you may find numerous web applications made with numerous technologies which all operates smoothly on any machine such as mobiles or tablets.
- Platform independent
Desktop applications are platform dependent which proves to be one of its major drawback.
Web applications however are not platform dependent and hence they overcome the drawback of Desktop Application. - Deploying
We need to deploy desktop applications in each individual machines. Whereas, you only need to deploy web application to the server and not in individual machines.
- Piracy
It doesn’t matter if your desktop application is paid or licensed. It always has great chances of piracy.
Whereas, in web application there is a threat of piracy and all your script’s remains secure. - Accessibility
Desktop application can’t be accessed from anywhere or from any devices whereas Web applications can be accessed anywhere, anytime and from any devices.
- Security
Web applications are exposed to more security risks than Desktop applications.
- Cost factor
In most cases Desktop applications are purchased once and then there are no recurring charges associated with it. However, when it comes to Web applications, their development and maintenance may cost more depending on the requirements and may need changes from time to time.
- Ease of use
Desktop applications are confined to a physical location and hence have usability constraint. Web applications on the other hand makes it convenient for the users to access the application from any location using the Internet.
This is a huge subject matter and hence it is not possible to pen down each point. As a result of which I have shared a few points which I find important. You may understand that both the Desktop and Web applications are good options and have their own pro’s and con’s. In the end Web applications are easy to use and Desktop applications are Secure. You can select the either ones based on your precise requirement.
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