Web applications are software programs that run on web servers and are accessed by users through a web browser over the internet or an intranet. Unlike traditional desktop applications that are installed on a user's computer, web applications are hosted on a remote server, and users interact with them using a web browser. ### Key Characteristics of Web Applications: 1. **Accessibility:** Web applications can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, using any device with a web browser. 2. **Cross-Platform Compatibility:** They run on various operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.) since they are accessed via a browser. 3. **Centralized Data Storage:** Data is usually stored on the server, allowing for centralized management, backup, and security. 4. **Automatic Updates:** Since the application is hosted on a server, updates and maintenance can be performed centrally, without requiring user intervention. 5. **Scalability:** Web applications can be easily scaled to handle more users or increased load by upgrading server resources or using cloud-based infrastructure. 6. **Security:** Web applications are vulnerable to various security threats (e.g., SQL injection, cross-site scripting), so they need robust security measures. ### Common Examples of Web Applications: - **Social Media Platforms:** Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. - **Email Clients:** Gmail, Outlook.com. - **E-commerce Sites:** Amazon, eBay. - **Productivity Tools:** Google Docs, Microsoft Office 365. - **Banking Applications:** Online banking platforms provided by banks. Web applications are built using a combination of technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript for the frontend, and various backend technologies like Node.js, Python, Ruby, PHP, or Java, along with databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB. source: chatgpt #internet