The ultimate web app development guide, from idea to launch

Thierry Maout
/
Feb 26, 2025
/
12
min read

Have you ever had a fantastic web app idea, only to realize you needed more technical know-how to build it? We’ve all been there. The reality is that a good idea can only take you so far.

When it comes to managing a successful business, having the right tools and processes can make all the difference. If you're like me, you've probably needed a custom web application to solve a problem or streamline an operation. But traditional development can be time-consuming, expensive, and out of reach for non-technical individuals.

Thankfully, technology has evolved, and building web applications doesn’t have to be as complicated as it used to be (we've even got an AI app generator that can build your app in minutes).

Whether you’re looking to automate internal processes, enhance customer experiences, or simply bring a new idea to life, this guide will give you the tools to make it happen, even if you’ve never written a line of code.

TL;DR: The ultimate guide to developing web apps

I'll be going through the steps in the web application development process:

  1. Identifying the problem.
  2. Researching the market.
  3. Building a prototype.
  4. Validating the idea.
  5. Building the web app.
  6. Testing the web app.
  7. Deploying the web app.

Let’s start with the basics of developing web apps.

What is a web application?

Web applications or web apps are interactive computer programs that run on a remote server, contrary to computer-based programs that run locally on the end user’s machine. Users access them through a web browser with an Internet connection.

Think about using your laptop to check your email, shop online, or access your banking accounts. All these actions most likely involve web apps.

You don't need to be a web app developer to build web applications. Having a solid grasp of the technical aspects of web application development can help you make informed decisions, manage risks, and ensure the solutions you build are scalable, secure, and aligned with your business goals.

Let’s take a look at the different types of web applications out there.

Types of web applications

There are two main types of web applications:

  1. Static web applications.
  2. Dynamic web applications.

While the first is straightforward, dynamic web apps are much more complex and diverse. Without going too deep into the technicalities of web application development, here are the basics for understanding the difference.

Static web applications

As the name suggests, static web apps aren’t the most flexible. Generally built with HTML, CSS, and a little bit of JavaScript code, they offer limited interactivity. They are difficult to update, as they appear to the user the same way they do on the server.

While limited, static web apps are still a great option when creating websites that don't require interactions, such as company information pages or personal portfolios.

Dynamic web applications

On the other hand, dynamic web apps offer a wider range of possibilities. The web application fetches data in real time based on the user’s request, whether performing a search, posting a comment, liking a post, or doing something else.

Subtypes of dynamic web applications include:

Single-page applications (SPA)

Appropriately named, SPAs allow users to interact with a web app from a single page. They are usually significantly quicker than traditional web apps since the logic is operated directly in the web browser. Examples include social networks, email services, or real-time map services.

Multi-page applications (MPA)

With logic working in the backend, MPAs include several pages and need to reload when changes are made. They're highly secure and a great fit for web portals, online stores, and enterprise apps.

Portal web applications

These apps feature different sections and categories and often require a login from a secure area. Forums, chats, and payment platforms are examples of web portals.

Progressive Web Applications (PWA)

These apps behave like native applications despite being web apps. If we compare PWAs to native apps, PWAs can be downloaded to a mobile device, accessed and used offline, but don’t require the same technologies as native apps. Softr, for instance, allows you to build a PWA from your existing application in a few simple steps.

Let’s look at some examples you might be using today.

5 examples of web applications

1. DoorDash

DoorDash landing page
Doordash’s web and mobile app


The largest food delivery company in the US, DoorDash's web and mobile app allow users to order food directly to their doors. Restaurants can reach a larger customer base, and drivers can also generate income.

2. GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide  landing page
GetYourGuide’s web and mobile app

GetYourGuide is an online marketplace for tour guides and excursions. Through the web and mobile app, users can browse and book tours and activities, from classes to tourist attractions worldwide.

3. Airtable

Airtable spreadsheet
Airtable’s web app

Part spreadsheet, part database, Airtable is one of our favorite web apps. Super powerful, it can be used along with Softr to create your own web application.

Related resource: What is Airtable? How to use it to easily manage your data.

4. Airbnb

Airbnb landing page
Airbnb’s web and mobile app

One of the biggest players in the sharing economy, Airbnb's web and mobile app provides an online marketplace for lodging and tourism activities, connecting vacation renters and house owners.

5. Spotify

Spotify landing page
Spotify’s web and mobile app. Image Source: VOX

Spotify is one of the world's largest music streaming service providers. Its web and mobile apps have millions of monthly active users who stream music.

(Note that you can replicate some of these apps without code using Softr. But we will touch more on that later.)

As you can see, web applications are everywhere.

Why develop a web application?

Regardless of the type, there are clear benefits involved in using web applications:

Availability across devices

Since web applications can be accessed through a browser, they are available to virtually anyone with an Internet connection.

Lower development cost

Web app development allows companies to avoid costly equipment and infrastructure costs. According to Vadim Belsky, Head of Web Development at ScienceSoft, developing their custom web apps can be more cost-effective for a company in the long run than hiring a web development agency that can cost a business from $15,000 to $20,000. .

Integration with other systems

Leveraging integrations with other programs is much easier than with isolated desktop applications.

Easier maintenance

Updates or redesigns are directly applied on the host server and available everywhere. There's no need to update the version of every single client.

Flexibility and scalability

Similar to the easier upkeep, increasing capacity for web applications is made smooth by increasing capacity on the host server.

Centralized security

Web app security relies on established host servers that are regularly checked and kept up by dedicated companies.

While native apps make sense in some cases, such as enterprise products emphasizing data security, web apps have become the norm.

Let’s now look at the steps involved in web application development and how to build your own applications.

Building web apps

Building web apps: The essentials of web app development

The next step of web application development is the web app building process. A typical beginner mistake when trying to build a web app is to get lost in the technicalities immediately:

  1. What coding language should I use?
  2. What hosting platform is the best?
  3. Will I need to hire web app developers to build my idea?

While understanding the inner technical principles of web application development is important, the strategy and overall ideation process behind it is the best place to start.

Let’s get started!

1. Identify the problem

The first, seemingly obvious step in web development is to find an idea. While some might argue that finding an original, groundbreaking idea is the best approach, others think that following the steps of an already established market makes more sense.

Whatever school of thought you follow, the most essential part is identifying the problem your product will address.

2. Market research

Once you have an idea, market research is a logical next step in web development. Understanding who your competition will be and what is already available is critical to avoiding the number one trap: building something no one wants.

It is no surprise that the average age of successful founders is 45. These professionals usually spend years developing a deep understanding of their industry before launching their venture.

Likewise, understanding your market will be critical to your success.

3. Building a wireframe and prototype

You now have an established idea of your market and what you want to build. It’s time for the fun part of web development: building a prototype.

Building a prototype (example))
Building a wireframe and prototype. Image Source: Sketch Repo


Tools such as InVision, Figma, or Justinmind will allow you to create a wireframe and prototype, a visual skeleton that you can use to showcase a semi-functional first draft of your product. This will be essential for the next step of web application development.

4. Validate your prototype

With your prototype ready, you can showcase your idea in a tangible form to potential users. By recording their interactions with your wireframes and collecting feedback, you can iterate and improve your vision and determine whether your idea is worth pursuing.

This step of web development is significant. Everything should have been relatively low-friction until now, and this is your opportunity to decide whether to dive headfirst, adjust your plans, or give up and move on to the next idea.

Starting with the next step, things are getting real.

5. Build your app

Building an app with Softr

Building is obviously a huge chunk of the web app development process and one that will take a lot of energy, time, and money. This will include:

  1. Deciding what development framework you will use.
  2. Choosing your technical collaborators.
  3. Establishing your work methodology.
  4. Overview progress and set milestones.

Since this post aims to provide a more high-level perspective on web app development, we won’t discuss advanced technical details. But hang on, as we introduce a way to build your web app without code later in the post.

6. Test the app

Testing is an ongoing process that happens throughout the building phase and as your application comes together. We wouldn’t want to deliver a faulty product (there will be bugs. A lot of bugs, probably).

There are usually two phases where you test the functionality:

  1. Alpha testing is internal, and it happens before you release software for external testing. Alpha testing identifies and fixes bugs, evaluates functionality, and ensures the software meets the target audience's needs.
  2. Beta testing happens after alpha testing, with real users testing the software in a real-world environment. Beta testing helps you gather unbiased user feedback before your official release.

7. Deploying the application

Finally, it’s time to host your app and give it to the world. This is only the beginning. You will now be growing your web application, maintaining and scaling it as you get user feedback and data.

But the initial web app development process is now complete!

Once live, it is worth deploying a web application monitoring tool in order to keep tabs on your brand-new product. This is sensible because it lets you get a baseline understanding of how it performs, and also track any issues that occur, such as crashes, so that fixes can be found. It’s an example of how web app development doesn’t end with deployment.

Now that you have a better understanding of what goes into developing a web application, two very important questions remain: "How much does it cost, and do you need to know how to code?"

Build your app: Cost and technical knowledge

Let’s address two of the biggest barriers to entry into the world of web app development: price and technical know-how. In other words: "Can you build a web app if you’re neither rich nor a coding wiz?" (Spoiler: yes, you can.)

Building is obviously a huge chunk of the web app development process and one that will take a lot of energy, time, and money. This will include:

  1. Deciding what development framework you will use.
  2. Choosing your technical collaborators.
  3. Establishing your work methodology.
  4. Overview progress and set milestones.

Since this post aims to provide a more high-level perspective on web app development, we won’t discuss advanced technical details. But hang on, as we introduce a way to build your web app without code later in the post.

6. Test the app

Testing is an ongoing process that happens throughout the building phase and as your application comes together. We wouldn’t want to deliver a faulty product (there will be bugs. A lot of bugs, probably).

There are usually two phases where you test the functionality:

  1. Alpha testing is internal, and it happens before you release software for external testing. Alpha testing identifies and fixes bugs, evaluates functionality, and ensures the software meets the target audience's needs.
  2. Beta testing happens after alpha testing, with real users testing the software in a real-world environment. Beta testing helps you gather unbiased user feedback before your official release.

7. Deploying the application

Finally, it’s time to host your app and give it to the world. This is only the beginning. You will now be growing your web application, maintaining and scaling it as you get user feedback and data.

But the initial web app development process is now complete!

Once live, it is worth deploying a web application monitoring tool in order to keep tabs on your brand-new product. This is sensible because it lets you get a baseline understanding of how it performs, and also track any issues that occur, such as crashes, so that fixes can be found. It’s an example of how web app development doesn’t end with deployment.

Now that you have a better understanding of what goes into developing a web application, two very important questions remain: "How much does it cost, and do you need to know how to code?"

Build your app: Cost and technical knowledge

Let’s address two of the biggest barriers to entry into the world of web app development: price and technical know-how. In other words: "Can you build a web app if you’re neither rich nor a coding wiz?" (Spoiler: yes, you can.)

How much does it cost to build a web app?

This is a valid question but unfortunately, a tough one to answer as it involves a lot of changing parts and parameters:

  1. How complex is your app?
  2. How many features?
  3. What technologies are you planning to use?
  4. What are your technical requirements?
  5. Are you building it yourself or hiring developers?
  6. If you’re hiring, where do you live? Are you willing to outsource? (Here's an interesting case study on the example of a specific country.)
  7. What is your timeline? What is your budget?

It’s impossible to give a clear-cut answer given how complex the individual needs of each business are. To give you an idea, the software development company Cleveroad estimates that the cost of developing web apps can range from $3,000 for a basic application to around $250,000 for a full-fledged platform.

That’s quite the difference.

Navigating these prices can be challenging. Communities such as IndieHackers or Reddit are great places to get advice and unfiltered opinions from other entrepreneurs and founders to determine whether you’re getting the value for your money.

For non-technical founders who are not afraid to get their hands dirty, there are other options. Have you ever heard of no-code / low-code platforms?

How to build a web application without code?

The term “no-code” refers to tools and technologies allowing users to achieve results previously reserved for developers or code-savvy professionals, such as building websites, creating online communities, or building web apps.

Some of the most popular no-code/low-code tools include:

  1. Softr: Platform to create websites, web apps, and client portals using Airtable.
  2. Canva: Graphic design tool to easily craft visuals.
  3. Airtable: Low-code database platform for building collaborative apps.
  4. UserGuiding: User-onboarding platform to create product walkthroughs and guides.
  5. Integromat: Integration platform to automate work by connecting apps.

The list goes on. New no-code / low-code platforms regularly pop up on specialized communities such as nocode.tech or Product Hunt and constantly push the limitations previously imposed on non-coders. You can learn more by reading this article on the history of no-code.

To circle back to the topic at hand, it is possible to create a web app without coding knowledge. You’re in the perfect place to learn about it. Let’s take a closer look at Softr.

Building a web application without code using Softr

Web app templates from Softr

Softr is a no-code platform that leverages the power of Airtable and Google Sheets to help you create online marketplaces, job boards, membership websites, online communities, client portals, and more. Without code.

The concepts of building blocks and databases are at the heart of Softr.

You can arrange the building blocks the way you want to create your pages and define any set of relationships and links of your choice, either within your application or with external parties. The database part is handled through Airtable or Google Sheets, where you can display and manage the data “behind” your application.

Here’s a short video by no-code expert Dan Leeman breaking down how to get started with Softr:

How does it work? It can be summed up 4 simple steps:

  1. Select building blocks: Select from 60+ beautifully designed, responsive building blocks to kickstart your application. Customize the design and look & feel as you go.
  2. Connect your Airtable, Google Sheets or other database: Organize all your data in Airtable, Google Sheets, HubSpot, Monday.com, SQL, or other databases, connect to the building blocks, and create stunning visuals.
  3. Link pages and application logic: View, search, and filter application data. Send user-filled form data back to Airtable. Or connect your application logic to any external service using Zapier.
  4. Adding user accounts: Add membership options to your web app. This allows you to publish gated content, set user permissions, or even enable Stripe payments.

Conclusion: Web app development

There are many steps involved in web application development, and it might seem daunting at first. But with the right resources, proper guidance, and a solid chunk of motivation, everything is possible!

We love that no-code is an opportunity for all non-developers to try web app development. Whether you choose to go with a team of developers or try developing web apps on your own with Softr, we hope this web app development guide gives you the foundation to start your journey.

Best of luck, and we’re looking forward to seeing your web apps!

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Thierry Maout

Thierry is a content marketer based in France. He has extensive experience writing about B2B SaaS, automation, and user onboarding. Originally from France, he has lived and worked in Ireland, the US, Germany, the UK and Canada as well as collaborated with companies from all over the world including UserGuiding, Make (formerly Integromat), and others. Thierry has a Bachelor's degree in International Affairs from Le Havre University (France) as well as a Master's degree in Law, Economics, and Management from the Institute of Evolutionary Science of Montpellier (France). Passionate about education and the no-code movement, Thierry has been featured in publications such as UX Collective and The Startup on Medium. A frequent Softr collaborator (freelance-based), he’s also a former startup co-founder and has, among others, co-founded and managed growth at Fairwai.

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