Web application

WHAT IS WEB APPLICATION?

A web application is application software that runs on a web server, unlike computer-based software programs that are run locally on the operating system of the device. Web applications are accessed by the user through a web browser with an active network connection.

A web application also is a software application that can be run without being installed on the client and that has several parts: A part of it will run on the remote web server, another part will run on the client, usually inside a web browser. … Social media sites, such as Wikipedia are also web applications.

Example of a web application

Web applications include online forms, shopping carts, word processors, spreadsheets, video and photo editing, file conversion, file scanning, and email programs such as Gmail, Yahoo and AOL. … Google Apps for Work has Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, online storage and more

The different types of web applications

1. Static web applications

source: unsplash

This is the most basic type of web application and has little content or room for movement. These web applications are often created using CSS and HTML and can handle animated content such as GIFS and videos. Modifying the content included on static web applications can be tricky, and in order to make any serious changes, you’ll need to download the HTML code, as well as modify and upload it to the server. Further, if the app wasn’t designed by yourself or your company alone, you will likely need to seek out the person who planned and designed the static web application.

A common example of static web apps includes an online portfolio or digital curriculums. In the same vein, you could think of a landing page as a static web application, with the contact and relative information displayed.

2. Dynamic web applications

This style web app is more technically complex in comparison with the aforementioned static application. In the case of dynamic web applications, they are in place to hold databases or forums with a constant ability to update or change the available information. This is usually as a result of a CMS or Content Management System.

A CMS will generally accompany a dynamic web app so that administrators or users can easily update or edit the content that is included. Many different web languages can be used with dynamic web applications. However, PHP and ASP are the most common, as they are the easiest to understand when it comes to structuring content.

Editing the content is easier with dynamic web applications and upgrading the content itself can be fairly simple. However, the backend or programming part can be more complex depending on the server and other factors. With this said, design elements can easily be modified to match your personal preferences.

3- E-commerce apps

If you’ve ever bought something online, you’re likely familiar with one of the most common web applications, and that’s e-commerce. If a web application is in the form of a store or shop, this type of development is classified as e-commerce. This app development process is more complex than the two aforementioned, as it requires a way to collect electronic payments. Orders, payments as well as posting and deleting items will need to be maintained by way of a management panel coded into the website by a developer. Also, in many cases, a mobile application of equivalence will need to be considered.

4- Portal web application

A portal web application simply refers to an application in which many different sections or categories as accessible by way of a home page. This type of page can range from forums, chats, emails, a browser page and so on.

5- Animated web application

For web applications to be animated, they must be compatible with FLASH technology. This can be complicated for those without any experience with these technologies. However, if you’re looking for a web application with fairly modern capabilities or any movement whatsoever, then working with FLASH is essential.

Unfortunately, there are a few drawbacks involved when with this technology, as it will not work with SEO optimization as well as web positioning since Google and other search engines are unable to read its information properly. So, if you’re just starting out with your business website or developing a landing page, it may be important to wait for the later stages.

6- Content management systems

We have mentioned content management systems in a few of the above web applications, so the concept should be fresh in your mind. Essentially, this means that an interface which can be accessed and updated, and a CMS is necessary if you’re looking for your web application to be in a process of constant development. These systems are very popular for personal blogs, corporate blogs, media sources and so on. There are some common content management systems, and they are:

WordPress: This blogging platform is widely popular and trusted among individuals and professionals alike, and that is likely due to its intuitive interface and the amount of available online tutorials.

Joomla: this platform is popular and comes next in line to WordPress as an open source content management system for managing websites and blogs. Since this interface isn’t as popular as WordPress and therefore, does not have as big a community. However, the interface is still equally as intuitive.

WHAT IS WEB APPLICATION ANALYSIS

Web Application Analysis refers to all applications that are accessed through a browser. … For example, if a e-commerce applications, which sometimes involve banking transactions, security testing is critical. It should also ensure that sufficient authentication and authorization mechanisms are in place.

WEB APPLICATION ANALYSIS TOOLS

whatweb – Tool to Discover Security Vulnerabilities With Your Web Application

Web Application AnalysisRavi Sankar – July 11, 20182Whatweb is the perfect name for this tool. Simply it answers the question, “What is that Website?” Whatweb can identify…

Burpsuite – A Beginner’s Guide For Web Application Security or Penetration Testing

Web Application AnalysisRavi Sankar – July 6, 20184Burpsuite is a collection of tools bundled into a single suite made for Web Application Security or Penetration testing. It’s…

SQLMAP – Enumeration of Databases & Users from Vulnerable Web Forms

Web Application AnalysisRavi Sankar – July 3, 20180Sqlmap is a database assessment tool which pentesters & security researchers can use to enumerate databases of various types. Sqlmap…

Ua-tester – A tool for User Agent WAF, IDS/IPS, Redirection testing

Web Application AnalysisRavi Sankar – July 3, 20180UA-tester is a tool to check whether a website provides different pages for different user agents like for mobile, desktop…Read more

Burpsuite – Use Burp Intruder to Bruteforce Forms

Web Application AnalysisRavi Sankar – October 11, 20163Using Burp Intruder to Bruteforce passwords. Burpsuite is a collection of tools and plugins for any web application security testing bundled…

SQLMAP – Introduction & Automation of SQLi

Securing Web Applications Is Imperative

Attacks on Web applications are increasing at a rapid pace. As per a report from the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), the number of successful Web application attacks is on the rise, from around 60% in 2002 to 80% in 2003. If Web application infringements continue to grow at this rate, customers’ confidence in online commerce will further diminish. As observed by Gartner, rampant attacks on Web applications make customers wary of making online purchases for fear of credit card tampering and leakage of credit information.

When companies fail to recognize application vulnerabilities, hackers have free rein attacking security loopholes. Hackers are increasingly focusing on Web applications for monetary gains and their attack modes are becoming more advanced and difficult to prevent.

Recent examples demonstrate the unfortunate after effects that companies have faced after such Web application breaches. Companies have borne the brunt of lawsuits, incurred financial losses, lost their credibility in the eyes of the public and, last but not least, have seen their company secrets siphoned off right under their noses.

The only way to combat the web application security threat is to proactively scan websites and Web applications for vulnerabilities and then fix them. Implementing a Web application scanning solution must be a crucial part of any organization’s overall strategy.

What are the advantages of web application testing and analysis tools?

• Better quality – more web testing mean less bugs, and less bugs lead to satisfied users!
• Increased development velocity – testing apps helps to catch bugs earlier in the development process. …
• Improved productivity – developers don’t want to spend their time chasing down bugs!

Drop your comment