The importance of turning an idea into a prototype – the changing scenario in computing methods

Computing has advanced dramatically over the past few decades. Earlier systems relied on programs that were installed and run on individual personal computers. Users would purchase software licenses, install the programs themselves, and then access those applications from their desktops. If you wanted to use an application on another computer, you had to install it there as well.

This model dominated computing for many years but was limited and static. It lacked interconnectivity and did not facilitate true collaboration or data sharing across machines. Users were confined to the specific software they installed locally and had to manage separate copies of files and settings on each computer they used.

The rise of networks, improved connectivity, and the early internet started to change this. New possibilities emerged for distributed software, real-time collaboration, and synchronized information across devices. Users no longer had to install and manage many duplicate software installations. Applications could be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Web-based services fueled this transition and accelerated the move to more cloud-centric and mobile-friendly computing. Apps began to launch directly in web browsers instead of requiring installation. Data and files could be stored in central cloud platforms instead of locally, and new devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops made the cloud and web even more compelling.

People now live their digital lives in the cloud through web-based services, mobile apps, and cloud platforms. Everything from business software, media, productivity tools, educational resources, and more now have predominantly cloud-based and web-centered counterparts. The cloud provides ubiquitous access across any connected device, constant integration and interoperability between services, automatic updates, scalable resources, collaboration features, mobile optimization, and cost benefits.

Local software is still used in some contexts but is increasingly viewed as limited or outdated. The transition to the cloud and web computing has been rapid and enormously impactful. It has reshaped how we work, learn, play, communicate, consume media, and more. And this transformation will likely only accelerate as enhanced AI technologies, IoT devices, VR/AR systems, and other innovations integrate more deeply into web-based services and cloud platforms.

We have come far from the software installations of yesterday, but the potential is hugely promising. Cloud computing is reimagining technology to fit our modern highly connected and increasingly mobile lifestyles. And this new era of ubiquitous, web-first computing is here to stay.

But considering that we are dealing with web applications in this book, what exactly is a web app?

A web application is a software application that runs within a web browser.

It is accessed via a network and delivers an interactive user experience through a web browser.

The purpose of a web application is to provide access to software capabilities and data over a network using standard web technologies. They allow users to access features and content from any internet-connected device with a web browser.

Web applications are useful when you want to provide access to software and data for a large number of users, potentially within an organization or to external customers and partners. They provide a convenient, consistent interface that works across devices and locations.

Here are some of the key benefits of web applications:

• Accessibility: Available anywhere with an internet connection and web browser.
• Consistency: The same interface and features are available on any device. The look and feel translate across platforms (desktop, mobile, tablet, and more).
• Centralized management: It’s easy to update web applications for all users simultaneously. New features and enhancements automatically propagate to all users.
• Integration: Can integrate with other web services, databases, APIs, and more using standard web technologies.
• Scalability: Can scale to support a large number of simultaneous users with minimal additional overhead. Additional computing resources can be allocated as needed.
• Cost-effective: Often, it’s more affordable and economical to develop and deploy web applications versus standalone software applications.

To summarize, use web applications when you need to provide an application and its data to a large number of users over a network, with the benefits of accessibility, consistency, integration, and scalability that web applications offer. They are a very effective and popular type of software solution.

Now that we know the benefits of web applications, we can move on to the next section, where we will understand the importance of a full Python-based framework.