Web applications have established themselves in the digital world, prompting companies to adapt to new technologies and increased security demands. Learning how to build a web application with a strong foundation is essential for success in this competitive market.
With the web app market remaining competitive and the need for secure solutions growing, the importance of considering web app architecture has reached new heights. This fundamental aspect of web application design is essential for creating an application tailored to your company’s needs. A carefully planned structure guarantees that your web applications will stay flexible, safe, and scalable as your company grows.
This article will explore the elements, types, and designs involved in web application architecture. Armed with this information, you will be able to select the appropriate web app architecture with confidence. Continue reading to find out additional information on how to build a web application that meets your business goals!
What is a Web Architecture?
The web architecture definition is broad and varies based on your web applications‘ focus. In essence, a web application architecture outlines the interaction between the components of a web app. An example would be a client-server structure, with the client serving as the user interface and the server as the back-end, which is a prevalent model. The selection of web design architecture is strongly linked to the distribution of application logic between client and server.
In essence, it is the complex framework of a web application, including its components, databases, networks, servers, interfaces, and the interactions taking place among them. More broadly, it signifies the intricate reasoning behind reactions to client and server inquiries.
In terms of advantages for businesses, the architecture of web applications is crucial in constructing applications and preparing for their requirements to ensure they meet expectations in terms of speed, scalability, security, and other essential quality characteristics.
Elements of Web Application Architecture
Depending on the complexity and functionality of the applications, the number of layers and components also varies. In certain scenarios, designing a web application can be straightforward enough to function as a single unit, containing all aspects of the web page architecture in one location.
Nevertheless, the majority of web applications are made up of numerous components, or layers, that communicate with one another. Generally, web application architecture is categorized into two main types: user interface and structural web elements. Structural web components consist of both client-side and server-side components.
When there are many parts at play, explanations alone may not fully capture the entire system. An application architecture diagram for a web application is useful for visually showing the components and how they interact. We should examine the main components that would be indicated in such a diagram.
Domain Name System
DNS is short for the domain name system. Matching IP addresses to domain names is a crucial component. This involves a specific server getting a request from a user.
Load Balancer
It routes incoming requests from users of the app to one of several servers, spreading out the workload more evenly during periods of high user activity. Typically, web app services are found in assorted duplicates that mimic each other in order for all servers to handle requests in the same manner. Moreover, the load balancer helps distribute tasks to avoid overloading them.
Web App Servers
This part serves as a deployment descriptor for an application. It handles the user’s demands and sends back replies to the browser that initiated the request. In order for this to occur, it relies on the back-end infrastructure, such as the database, job queue, cache server, and more.
Database
This element’s interpretation is quite easy to understand. It provides a range of tools for executing, removing, arranging, and refreshing data records. Web application servers communicate directly with job servers without the need for any intermediary.
Caching Service
The feature provides simple and fast storage and retrieval of data. Once the user has obtained the data from the server, they can store search results in a cache. Consequently, forthcoming inquiries will be processed more quickly.
These are the situations in which caching proves to be effective:
– Slow or repetitive computation
– If a user gets identical outcomes for a particular inquiry
Job Queue (Optional)
This includes both a job queue and servers that handle the processing of those jobs. Numerous web servers handle a vast quantity of low-priority tasks. A task in need of completion is placed in line and will be carried out as per the timetable.
Full-Text Search Service (Optional)
Numerous online applications have the capability to search using text. Following this, an end user receives the pertinent results from an application. The complete procedure is referred to as a full-text search, which locates the desired information by a keyword within all the documents in a system.
Content Delivery Network
CDN is short for the content delivery network. This system transmits unchanging content, such as images and other files. Essentially, it consists of several servers located nearer to end users’ geographical locations than an app’s database. Therefore, CDN efficiently delivers content to users worldwide, significantly decreasing loading times.
What is a 3-tier Architecture?
Most web applications are developed by breaking down their main functionality into layers or tiers. This allows you to easily and quickly replace or upgrade each of those layers separately. It is referred to as a multi-tier or a 3-tier architecture of a web-based application.
In a modern web application architecture with 3 tiers, there are three layers/tiers:
- Presentation (client) layer
- Application (business) layer
- Data access layer
This contemporary web application framework is considered one of the most secure and safest structures. The reason is that the client does not directly access the data. Application servers can be installed on various machine providers to achieve enhanced scalability, improved performance, and greater efficiency.
The ability to scale each tier independently allows for horizontal scaling of this 3-tier architecture. It also greatly enhances data integrity by routing data through the application server, which controls data access methods and permissions. This powerful benefit provides a simple and budget-friendly answer for managing a new company.
Layers of Modern Web Application Architecture
Next, we will delve deeper into the three layers of web application architecture.
Presentation/Client Layer
When discussing the presentation layer, we are referring to the app’s front end. This tier consists of elements like fixed content and interactive interface that can be seen by users. This layer works in any browser environment. In this scenario, some of the technologies utilized are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Options for frameworks to consider are Angular, React, and Vue.
Business/Application Layer
When discussing the business layer, also known as the application layer, is a component of the app’s back-end. The backend of the web app decides on the business logic and how to respond to browser requests received by the presentation layer. It encompasses the fundamental application logic and details the internal flow for both data and requests.
In this situation, servers, serverless cloud platforms, or PaaS offer the most convenient options. The programming languages utilized in this particular scenario include C#, JavaScript, Java, Python, and PHP. Possible options for back-end frameworks are ASP.NET, express.js, nest.js, Spring, Flask, Django, and Symfony.
Data Access Layer
The data access layer, the last stage of this design, has a vital function as it interacts closely with the business layer, getting necessary data from the servers. At the same time, the data service layer functions as a middleman, separating the business logic from the client side while processing requests.
It is the backend of an application that includes databases and DBMS to gather, control, and store information. The environment may mirror the application layer. PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, MongoDB, Cloud Offerings, and other Database management systems are well-known options.
Each layer functions autonomously and interacts with one another via the necessary elements.
Types of Web Application Architecture
A specific web application architecture type is a particular arrangement in which the components communicate with one another. The larger layers can be categorized as client-side design, server-side design, and hosting strategy.
Client Side
Single-Page Application Architecture
This web app architecture is created to display only content that is pertinent. In order for this to occur, it initially retrieves the appropriate webpage and subsequently refreshes the display of its contents with only the specified information.
In simpler terms, it doesn’t rely on the server to load entire pages but instead requests only the necessary portions of the webpage.
Single-page applications enhance performance and improve user experience with a more intuitive design.
Advantages of single-page app architecture:
– Improved speed of execution
– Enhanced UX flexibility
Drawbacks of single-page app architecture:
– Extended duration for testing
– Potential risk of losing any progress that has not been saved
– More initial loading time
Progressive Web Apps
Progressive web apps remain one of the most promising trends due to their distinctive format. They provide a convenient and efficient user experience via a shared URL on any browser and device.
Progressive web applications are extensively utilized in the entertainment, financial, and eCommerce sectors. Some of the main advantages are their lightweight design, affordability, compatibility across different devices, capability to draw in web visitors, and a complete app user experience.
Advantages of progressive web app architecture:
– Accessibility of web browsers
– Prioritizing mobile devices
– Increased traffic
– Effective offline performance
Drawbacks of progressive web app architecture:
– Limited browser support
– Narrow utilization of native APIs
Server Side
Microservice Architecture
Microservices are often chosen over an unreliable monolithic web application architecture. They distribute the functionality in order to provide individual small and lightweight services.
Specifically, they are not tightly connected and rely on APIs for interaction when facing a complex business issue. This unique feature makes it easier for developers as it allows service components to be developed in various programming languages.
Microservice architecture has become popular recently due to its adaptability and reliability, leading companies such as Amazon, eBay, and Netflix to implement it for their intricate requirements.
Advantages of adopting a microservice architecture:
– Scaling up becomes simpler
– Better fault tolerance
– Code base that is easy to comprehend
– Independent module deployment
Downsides of microservice architecture:
– Challenges with testing and debugging
– Complicated deployment
Hosting Approach
Serverless Architecture
This architecture in web app development enables you to delegate server and infrastructure management to a cloud service provider. In this manner, the execution of web app logic will not disrupt the infrastructure operations.
Opting for a serverless architecture is beneficial for businesses looking to outsource server and hardware management to a trusted technology partner, allowing them to focus on front-end development duties.
Additionally, this type of web application architecture enables the development of small app functions. Among others, Amazon and Microsoft are some of the service providers that help with server management.
Advantages of serverless architecture:
– Absence of server management
– Extremely scalable
– Minimized latency
– Quickness and adaptability
Drawbacks of serverless architecture:
– Worries about security
– Advanced level of complexity
Web Application Architecture Best Practices
In this article, we have compiled the top 5 suggestions for entrepreneurs to keep in mind when designing web app architecture for their projects and forming relationships with technology partners.
– Consider a suitable framework for a web application in the initial phases
Lacking a solid framework, your app will become a confusing maze of disorganized elements and components that are difficult to manage.
– Avoid imitating someone else’s achievements
Choosing a web application architecture from a successful company and blindly copying it is the biggest error. In truth, a successful architecture aligns with your business objectives and visions, not theirs.
– Be mindful of your technical capabilities
Achieving the optimal and most effective components in your web application structure may not always be feasible. By focusing on quality attributes and setting realistic business expectations, you can maximize the potential of all the components at your disposal.
– Solve the issues immediately
Fix the problems in the web app’s architecture before its release without waiting. The more you address the issues early, the more reliable its core features will be.
– Make a list of effective features for web applications
It is advisable to clearly define your expectations for your web app early on and discuss their achievable and measurable KPIs with your technology partner to ensure its success.
The possible checklist may include these features:
- System flexibility
- Reusable components
- Well-written code
- Scalability
- System stability
- Bug detection ease
- Adherence to security standards
- Fields for user feedback
- Crash prevention
- Ease of use
- Fast response
- Automatic deployment
Final Words
A reliable, efficient, easily expandable, and secure web application architecture is essential for all web-based digital products, particularly those used for business purposes. It is recommended that experienced software engineering experts with expertise in creating similar solutions for your particular industry handle the development and implementation of the architecture.
Pure Website Design has been developing digital solutions for businesses in various industries such as Fintech, Healthcare, construction, hospitality, logistics, eCommerce, and others for a long time. Our company delivers web development services to startups, SMBs, and enterprises around the globe, crafting solutions using the most efficient, secure, and adaptable web application architecture.