Mobile apps and online websites have been the foundation of any business and brand for as long as we can remember. They help people know that a certain business exists and assists business owners in generating revenue either by selling a product, running ads, or delivering news through blogs.
Behind those attractive-looking websites and engaging mobile apps are two professionals, an app developer, and a website developer but, people often get confused between the roles and responsibilities that each of them has.
In this article, we are going to specify the 13 major differences between a mobile app developer and a website developer so you would never have to wonder which is which.
Different focus and medium
Both the mobile app developer and the website builder have different focus points and mediums of development, a mobile app developer works to develop websites for mobile phones, different kinds of operating systems, and frameworks while a website developer develops websites using different frameworks and languages such as HTML, Java, and CSS.
Development tools and languages
Since both, the mobile apps developer and a web developer specialize in different mediums they have different toolkits for each. A mobile app developer uses tools like android studio, Xcode, flutter or react native working with languages like, Java, Kotlin, swift, or Dart. A website developer on the other hand uses frameworks such as WordPress or Drupal and other text editing tools.
Compatibility
Before being released onto the market, websites and mobile applications must pass a series of compatibility tests. Websites have to be tested for compatibility against different browsers while mobile apps have to be tested for compatibility with various operating systems, screen sizes, and resolutions.
User interactions
Website builders specialize in creating user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX) for browsers and desktops to provide attractive design layouts and a seamless navigation experience while mobile application developers work on device-specific functionalities such as touch-based interactions, gestures, and animations.
Performance considerations
Mobile app makers while developing an app for a specific system should consider factors such as app size, battery usage, and memory consumption to ensure that their app delivers a positive user experience while the website makers’ main focus is to prioritize factors such as page loading speed, caching, minimized network requests and efficient codes for their website to work smoothly.
Hardware and device integration
Mobile app developers have the advantage of utilizing device-specific features such as camera, GPS, and, push notifications enabling them to create a more personalized user experience while website developers have limited hardware access and have to work with only device APIs for certain functionalities.
Security measures
Both the website developer and the mobile app developer have to undertake different security measures, the app developer on one hand has to create an application that ensures data encryption, secure authentication, and protection of sensitive app data on the other hand, an online website developer will work on protecting the site against cross-site scripting attacks, SQL injections and the user data that is being transmitted over the world wide web.
Performance testing
Website developers have to perform tests to check the compatibility of their websites on different browsers and the interactive design while the mobile app developers have a much tougher job than that, they test their mobile applications for compatibility with different screen sizes, devices, and operating systems to ensure that their app provides an optimal experience to the user.
Lifespan and maintenance
Mobile apps may have a shorter life span as compared to websites because apps may get obsolete with changing user preferences and device updates however a website will require continuous maintenance and updates for it to stay relevant and compatible with developing technologies.
Developing cost
A website will have lower development and maintenance costs in contrast to a mobile application. A mobile application needs rigorous testing, use of device-specific platforms, and ongoing updates so developing a mobile application may put a greater dent in your pocket.
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Offline functionality
Mobile applications can store your data on their server and work in the absence of an internet connection websites, on the other hand, may rely on an internet connection to work and offer specific functions.
Accessibility
Websites are easily accessible on browsers from all over the world across different platforms and search engines, they do not require app store approvals to work while mobile applications require approval from the app store for distribution which necessitates adherence to store guidelines and regulations.
Monetization
When it comes to generating revenue for their hard work there are different ways that mobile app developers and website developers can monetize their apps and sites. Mobile app developers can generate revenue through paid downloads and subscriptions or in-app purchases while a website maker will be able to monetize his site by either running ads, posting blogs and generating traffic, selling products, or through affiliate marketing.
Mobile app developers and website developers play an important part when it comes to getting your brand recognized globally. If your business needs an eye-catching website with features like safe online purchases you should seek help from a website developer but, if your business wants to provide its customers with a more immersive experience that utilizes device features like camera and GPS you need a mobile app developer.
By recognizing the differences between their development tools, user interactions, performance considerations, and, distribution channels you can make informed decisions to achieve your business goals.