Steps for Optimizing Web Application Performance

A web application is any software that is built on a client-server architecture built by the web application development company. A client is a computer used by end-users to access the info stored on the server. A typical client-server environment includes clients which are multiple computers with minor capabilities that share the processing and storage resources of a much powerful computer that acts like a server. The client has many applications, which are used to enter the information. This information is then stored and retrieved on the servers as per the requirements. The client and server are usually connected to each other over a network, which could either be a local/private network, or a much larger network like the Internet.

A web application is one such software that uses the web browser as a client. From a simple message board to a complex spreadsheet or a web processor, the application can take many forms.

The primary benefit of a web application is that it is platform independent and can run on any type of computers. It runs on a web browser, which in turn communicates with the computer’s basic environment that includes an operating system and the networking applications and hardware. Thus, a web application can run on any kind of browser, which in turn can run on any type of computer with any operating system.

With the advent and ever growing clout of the Internet, web applications have become crucial to every business operation. Be it building a website or an e-commerce portal, or merely creating a presence on a social media platform, these applications are at the core of all major online business functions. The way they perform could make a lot of difference between significant profit garnered and the opportunities lost by the company. There are several instances where to prove that businesses depend heavily on right and sustainable functioning of their web applications. Situations like high traffic, malfunctioning, security failure, etc., can lead to the loss in both productivity and profitability. This is one of the reasons that optimizing the performance of web application has become much more important than ever.

The performance optimization of the web application is a critical part of the developmental and maintenance process. The process incorporates fine-tuning of all components of a web application to make it quicker, simpler and smoother.

The process starts with identifying the issues. Subsequently, appropriate solutions are then used to fix the bugs or errors. The procedure can minimize the loading times for pages. It ensures a proper balance between the data transfers and reduces the load on the server. This can reduce the processing time. The process also checks the functioning of various touch-points like buttons, menus, and text boxes and ensures the users get the desired output for every action.

The process of optimization is applied on two of the major layers, namely – the Application layer and the Presentation layer.

Application Layer: The application layer is concerned with the web app’s User Interface. It ensures that appropriate channels and resources exist, through which the users can effectively communicate with other applications on the network. The common methods used to optimize this layer include Code Refactoring and Code Caching.

Presentation Layer: The presentation layer takes care of the information received by the user following a query or an action performed by him. The layer ensures the data is in the right format and has no discrepancies. The two main techniques used to optimize the layer are asset optimization and cache controlling.

The other major optimization is performed on the database and is simply known as Database Optimization. It includes techniques like Indexing, Enabling Query Caching, and Table Partitioning.

When users have a better experience with a website and get the desired results, they usually revisit it; most users also share it with their friends and family. This enhanced UX goes a long way in increasing the click-through rates and conversions. A better visibility and brand awareness usually leads to higher profitability and growth.

Key Takeaways

• A web application is a software that uses the web browser as a client.
• Web applications are at the core of all major online business-functions, and optimizing the performance of web application has become much more important than ever.
• The performance optimization of the web application is a critical part of the developmental and maintenance process.
• Better performance of websites enhance the user experiences and leads to increased profitability.