Is E-Commerce a Web App?


Published: | By POWR

Chances are high that everyone has, at some point in time, interacted with an e-commerce platform, but the specifics on the business side can be complicated. You need to know which apps are used for e-commerce and how to create a free e-store for your business.

Today, we will dive into everything you need to know about how e-commerce is made. E-commerce is not a web app, although all e-commerce takes place online, and e-commerce platforms can work as mobile shopping apps!

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E-commerce is essentially the ability of a person or a company to trade goods or services online. Whenever customers buy or sell something digitally as an item, good, or service, they transmit funds and data over an electronic network. This means they are interacting with an e-commerce platform. 

Ecommerce Web Apps Explained

E-commerce websites typically feature a domain name that can be accessed through a web browser. However, website applications can enhance this functionality.

Websites vs. web apps

An e-commerce website is optimized and scaled to match the resolution of any device that visits it, including mobile devices.

These mobile websites consist of a domain name and usually include smaller fonts, fewer page elements, and a user interface that is typically more basic. They often lack customizability or user interactivity.

An e-commerce application, on the other hand, is a program that can be accessed online or stored locally. With applications, developers have much more flexibility, as they can program specific, customized features. 

A mobile application will typically run on Android and iOS devices but can also come as a web app. Web apps are stored on a remote server and delivered through a web browser.  

Web apps are programs that exist on the cloud and are accessed through a web browser–they are, fundamentally, computer programs that offer a higher level of functionality than websites.

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Ecommerce web app-supported devices

Anyone using an Android or iOS-based smartphone can visit websites just like users on desktops and laptops using Linux, macOS, or Windows.

Applications to facilitate storing user data and conducting payments will typically be built exclusively for mobile devices, and those on a desktop can access the web application using a browser.

Most web apps feature adaptive design, which means they can scale to any resolution on any device. 

Ecommerce web app functionality

E-commerce websites will typically feature underlying technology and code that adds various functions for users. Users can often create an account and create and customize their profile by uploading an image.

There are many aspects of web app functionality that make this approach desirable:

  • Site owners can gain access to content management capability, promotion or discount code tools, and easy checkout systems. 
  • Site owners can set up an account creation system for each user to have their own account, link their credit card, and maintain high security. 
  • Reporting tools and custom report features are available alongside an integrated blog section.
  • Email marketing features and integrations are accessible through web apps, and numerous payment methods can be implemented, including credit card payments, e-wallet payments, and direct bank transfer payments.

Overall, the ability to scale using a web app is much greater than that via a normal website.

Moving Forward With Building an eCommerce Web App

You can build a web app manually for any e-commerce business, but this can take a lot of time, effort, and numerous developers to accomplish efficiently. 

POWR is a purpose-built solution enabling anyone to create beautiful web apps and increase sales. We offer a full library of free and customizable plugins to enable businesses to engage customers, gather information, and get followers.

This allows business owners access to complex features, functions, and integrations that are impossible on a traditional website.

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