25 Examples of Web Applications and What They Are Used For

Web applications are online tools that allow you to perform tasks through a web browser.

Unlike a basic website that mainly displays information, a web application lets you log in, enter data, upload files, make payments, communicate with other users, or receive personalised results.

You probably use several web applications every day without thinking about it. Gmail, Glarify, Canva, Google Docs, online banking platforms, social media sites, and ecommerce stores are all examples of web applications.

This article looks at common examples of web applications, how they work, and what you need to build and host one.

What is a web application?

A web application is software that runs on a web server and is accessed through a browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge.

You usually do not need to install the full application on your computer. You visit a web address, sign in, and use the application online.

For example, when you open Gmail, your messages are stored and processed on Google’s servers. Your browser displays the interface and allows you to read, send, delete, and organise emails.

A web application may allow users to:

• Create an account

• Log in securely

• Enter or edit information

• Upload files

• Make payments

• Search a database

• Send messages

• Book appointments

• View personalised content

• Generate reports

• Collaborate with other users

The exact features depend on the purpose of the application.

Website vs web application

A website and a web application can look similar, but they serve different purposes.

Feature	Website	Web application
Main purpose	Share information	Help users complete tasks
User interaction	Usually limited	Usually high
User accounts	Sometimes	Common
Personalised content	Limited	Common
Data entry	Minimal	Frequent
Examples	Company website, blog, news site	Gmail, Canva, online banking
Hosting needs	Often simple	May require more server resources

A small company website may show services, prices, contact details, and business hours.

A web application may allow the same company’s customers to create accounts, request services, track orders, download invoices, and make payments.

Some platforms combine both.

For example, an ecommerce site has informational pages, product descriptions, and blog posts. It also functions as a web application because customers can create accounts, add products to a cart, and complete payments.

25 examples of web applications

1) Gmail

Gmail is an email web application from Google.

It allows users to send, receive, search, organise, and store email messages through a browser.

Its main web application features include:

• User accounts

• Email composition

• File attachments

• Spam filtering

• Search

• Labels and folders

• Contact management

Other web-based email applications include Outlook, Yahoo Mail, and Proton Mail.

2) Glarify

Glarify is a web application designed to bring website analytics, SEO data, and search performance information into one place.

Instead of moving between several platforms to understand how a website is performing, users can connect their accounts and review important information through a single dashboard.

Glarify can bring together data from tools such as:

• Google Analytics 4

• Google Search Console

• Bing Webmaster Tools

• Google Tag Manager

• Google Business Profile

This makes it easier for website owners, marketers, agencies, and content teams to understand what is happening across their websites.

What users can do with Glarify

Glarify allows users to interact with website data rather than simply read static information.

Depending on the available features, users can:

• Connect their website accounts

• View search traffic and keyword performance

• Check whether pages are indexed by Google

• Review crawling and canonical information

• Monitor website engagement

• compare performance across different periods

• identify pages gaining or losing traffic

• inspect local search performance

• create SEO and analytics reports

• manage several websites from one account

These features make Glarify a clear example of a web application.

The user signs in, connects external services, selects a website, and receives information based on their own data.

Why Glarify is a web application

Glarify has the main characteristics of a modern web application.

Web application feature	How Glarify uses it
User accounts	Users sign in to access their websites and reports
External integrations	It connects to analytics and search platforms
Personalised dashboards	Each user sees data from their own websites
Data processing	The application organises and interprets website data
Interactive tools	Users can inspect URLs, filter reports, and compare results
Cloud access	The platform can be accessed through a browser
Stored information	Websites, settings, reports, and account connections can be saved

The technology behind an application such as Glarify

A web application such as Glarify normally requires several connected technologies.

The frontend provides the dashboard, reports, forms, tables, filters, and charts that users see.

The backend handles account connections, permissions, data requests, report generation, and application logic.

A database stores information such as:

• User accounts

• Connected websites

• Report settings

• Search data

• Analytics records

• Subscription details

• Saved dashboards

Glarify also depends on APIs to communicate with external platforms such as Google Search Console and Google Analytics.

These APIs allow the application to request authorised data and display it inside the Glarify dashboard.

3) Google Docs

Google Docs is an online word-processing application.

Users can create, edit, save, and share documents without installing traditional desktop software.

Several people can work on the same document at the same time. Changes are saved automatically, and users can leave comments or suggest edits.

Google Docs is a good example of a collaborative web application.

4) Canva

Canva is a browser-based design application.

It allows users to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, logos, documents, videos, and other visual content.

Canva includes features such as:

• Drag-and-drop editing

• Templates

• Image uploads

• Team collaboration

• Cloud storage

• Export tools

• Brand management

It performs many tasks that once required installed design software.

5) ChatGPT

ChatGPT is an AI-powered web application that allows users to interact with an artificial intelligence model through a conversational interface.

Users can ask questions, generate ideas, analyse information, write content, study concepts, and solve problems.

The application processes a user’s request on remote servers and returns a response through the browser.

6) Google Drive

Google Drive is a cloud storage web application.

It allows users to upload, store, organise, share, and access files online.

Because files are stored in the cloud, users can access them from different devices as long as they have an internet connection and the correct permissions.

Similar applications include Dropbox, OneDrive, and Box.

7) Trello

Trello is a project management web application.

It uses boards, lists, and cards to help individuals and teams organise tasks.

A team can use Trello to:

• Assign tasks

• Set deadlines

• Add comments

• Attach files

• Track progress

• Organise projects into stages

It is commonly used for content planning, software development, marketing campaigns, and internal operations.

8) Slack

Slack is a workplace communication web application.

It allows teams to communicate through channels, direct messages, group discussions, and file sharing.

Slack also connects with other applications, including Google Drive, GitHub, Zoom, and project management tools.

This makes it useful as a central communication hub for remote and distributed teams.

9) Zoom

Zoom is a video conferencing application that can be accessed through a browser or installed application.

Users can:

• Host video meetings

• Share screens

• Record sessions

• Send messages

• Create breakout rooms

• Schedule online events

Schools, businesses, consultants, and remote teams use Zoom for meetings, lessons, training, and presentations.

10) Facebook

Facebook is a social networking web application.

Users can create profiles, publish posts, upload photos, watch videos, join groups, manage pages, and communicate through messages.

The content shown to each user is personalised based on their account, connections, activity, and preferences.

Other social media web applications include Instagram, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Pinterest.

11) YouTube

YouTube is a video-sharing web application.

Users can search for videos, create channels, upload content, leave comments, subscribe to creators, and manage playlists.

YouTube also gives creators access to analytics, monetisation tools, copyright management, and community features.

12) Netflix

Netflix is a video-streaming web application.

Users can create profiles, search for films and series, save content to watch later, and continue watching from where they stopped.

The application provides personalised recommendations based on the user’s viewing activity.

Other streaming web applications include Disney+, Showmax, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+.

13) Spotify Web Player

Spotify Web Player allows users to listen to music and podcasts through a browser.

Users can:

• Search for music

• Create playlists

• Follow artists

• Save albums

• Receive recommendations

• Control playback

The application synchronises listening activity across different devices.

14) Google Maps

Google Maps is a mapping and navigation web application.

It allows users to search for places, view maps, find businesses, calculate routes, and check travel times.

Businesses can also appear on Google Maps through a Google Business Profile.

This helps customers find business locations, phone numbers, opening hours, reviews, and directions.

Our product, Localforce, is meant to help users win on Google Maps.

15) Uber

Uber is a transport web application that connects passengers with drivers.

Users can request rides, select destinations, estimate fares, make payments, and track drivers.

The application combines several systems, including:

• GPS location services

• User accounts

• Maps

• Payment processing

• Driver matching

• Notifications

• Ratings and reviews

Similar applications can be built for delivery services, school transport, courier businesses, and logistics companies.

16) Airbnb

Airbnb is an accommodation booking web application.

Property owners can list rooms, apartments, and homes. Travellers can search by location, dates, price, and property type.

The application also manages:

• User profiles

• Availability calendars

• Reservations

• Payments

• Messages

• Ratings

• Reviews

Hotels, guest houses, tour operators, and property managers can build similar booking platforms.

17) Booking.com

Booking.com is a travel booking web application.

Users can search for hotels, apartments, flights, taxis, and other travel services.

Search results change based on dates, location, number of guests, price range, and other filters.

The platform connects travellers with accommodation providers and processes reservations online.

18) Shopify

Shopify is an ecommerce web application that helps businesses create and manage online stores.

Store owners can add products, receive orders, manage stock, process payments, and view sales reports.

Shopify includes tools for:

• Product management

• Checkout

• Customer accounts

• Discounts

• Shipping

• Analytics

• Store design

WooCommerce, Magento, and BigCommerce are other platforms used to build ecommerce web applications.

19) Amazon

Amazon is a large ecommerce web application.

Customers can search for products, compare prices, read reviews, add items to a cart, make payments, and track deliveries.

Sellers can also manage products, stock, orders, advertising, and customer messages.

This means the platform contains different web application interfaces for buyers, sellers, delivery partners, and administrators.

20) PayPal

PayPal is an online payment web application.

Users can send money, receive payments, view transactions, manage payment methods, and withdraw funds.

Businesses can connect PayPal to their websites or applications to accept online payments.

Other online payment platforms include Stripe, Paystack, Flutterwave, and M-Pesa payment integrations.

21) Online banking platforms

Online banking portals are web applications that allow customers to manage their bank accounts.

Depending on the bank, users may be able to:

• Check account balances

• View statements

• Transfer money

• Pay bills

• Manage beneficiaries

• Download transaction records

• Request banking services

Because these platforms handle sensitive financial information, they require strong security, encryption, authentication, and monitoring.

22) School management systems

A school management system helps schools manage students, teachers, fees, lessons, examinations, and communication.

Parents may use the application to view:

• Student performance

• Fee balances

• Attendance

• School announcements

• Homework

• Timetables

Teachers and administrators may use separate dashboards to enter marks, manage classes, and generate reports.

23) Hospital management systems

Hospital and clinic management systems help healthcare providers organise appointments, patient records, billing, staff schedules, and inventory.

Patients may use the application to book appointments, access results, or receive reminders.

Healthcare web applications must be designed carefully because they may handle confidential personal information.

24) Customer relationship management systems

A customer relationship management system, commonly called a CRM, helps businesses manage leads, customers, sales, and communication.

Popular examples include Salesforce, Odoo, HubSpot, and Zoho CRM.

A CRM may allow a business to:

• Store customer information

• Track sales opportunities

• Record calls and emails

• Assign leads

• Schedule follow-ups

• Generate sales reports

Businesses can also build custom CRM applications for their own processes.

25) Accounting applications

Online accounting applications help businesses manage income, expenses, invoices, taxes, and financial reports.

Examples include QuickBooks Online, Xero, Zoho Books, and FreshBooks.

A small business may use an accounting web application to create invoices, track payments, record expenses, and monitor cash flow.

26) WordPress dashboard

The public side of a WordPress website displays pages and posts.

The WordPress dashboard, however, functions as a web application.

It allows authorised users to:

• Publish content

• Upload media

• Install plugins

• Change website settings

• Manage users

• Moderate comments

• Review orders

• Update products

WordPress can also be extended to create ecommerce stores, membership websites, booking systems, directories, and learning platforms.

Run WordPress

Other common types of web applications

Web applications exist in almost every industry.

Other examples include:

• Job portals

• Property listing platforms

• Food delivery systems

• Online learning platforms

• Event ticketing systems

• Payroll systems

• Inventory management systems

• Customer support portals

• Hotel booking systems

• Loan application platforms

• Insurance portals

• Membership websites

• Online examination systems

• Domain registration platforms

• Web hosting dashboards

• Analytics tools

• Invoice generators

• Appointment-booking systems

• Online marketplaces

• Government service portals

A web application can be built for almost any repeatable process involving users, information, communication, or transactions.

Types of web applications

Web applications can also be grouped according to how they function.

1) Static web applications

A static web application displays content that changes very little.

It is built using files such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Static applications are fast and relatively easy to host, but they offer fewer interactive features unless connected to external services.

Examples include:

• Portfolios

• Product showcases

• Simple campaign pages

• Documentation websites

• Basic business websites

2) Dynamic web applications

A dynamic web application generates content based on user requests, stored data, or account information.

It usually connects to a database.

Examples include:

• Social media platforms

• News websites

• Customer portals

• Ecommerce stores

• Online banking platforms

The content may change for each user.

3) Single-page applications

A single-page application loads one main page and updates content without reloading the entire browser window.

This can make the application feel faster and more similar to installed software.

Examples include parts of Gmail, Trello, Google Maps, and many modern dashboards.

Single-page applications are often built using frameworks such as React, Vue, or Angular.

4) Progressive web applications

A progressive web application, or PWA, is a web application designed to behave more like a mobile application.

Depending on the device and browser, it may support:

• Installation on the home screen

• Push notifications

• Offline access

• Background updates

• Fast loading

A PWA can be useful when a business wants an application-like experience without building separate Android and iOS applications.

5) Ecommerce web applications

Ecommerce web applications allow businesses to sell products or services online.

They typically include:

• Product pages

• Shopping carts

• Checkout

• Online payments

• Customer accounts

• Order tracking

• Inventory management

Examples include Amazon, Shopify stores, Jumia, and WooCommerce websites.

6) Portal web applications

A portal gives users access to information and services through a central dashboard.

Different users may see different content based on their roles.

Examples include:

• Student portals

• Employee portals

• Customer portals

• Supplier portals

• Government service portals

• Hosting client areas

7) Content management systems

A content management system allows users to create and manage website content without editing code directly.

WordPress is the most widely recognised example.

Other content management systems include Joomla, Drupal, Ghost, and TYPO3.

8) Online marketplaces

An online marketplace connects different groups of users.

For example, a marketplace may connect buyers with sellers, passengers with drivers, or property owners with guests.

Examples include:

• Airbnb

• Uber

• Amazon Marketplace

• Fiverr

• Upwork

• Jiji

• Etsy

The platform usually earns money through commissions, subscriptions, listing fees, or advertising.

How does a web application work?

Most web applications contain several connected parts.

The frontend

The frontend is the part users see and interact with in the browser.

It includes:

• Pages

• Buttons

• Forms

• Menus

• Images

• Dashboards

• Notifications

Frontend technologies commonly include HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Frameworks such as React, Vue, and Angular may also be used.

The backend

The backend handles the application’s logic behind the scenes.

It may process logins, calculate results, send emails, retrieve records, manage payments, or apply user permissions.

Backend applications can be built using technologies such as:

• PHP

• Python

• Node.js

• Java

• Ruby

• .NET

The database

The database stores information used by the application.

This may include:

• User accounts

• Products

• Orders

• Messages

• Appointments

• Payments

• Settings

• Reports

Common databases include MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, MongoDB, and Microsoft SQL Server.

The server

The server runs the application and responds when users make requests.

For example, when a customer logs in, the server checks the submitted details, confirms the account, retrieves the correct information, and sends the dashboard back to the browser.

The quality of the server affects the application’s speed, reliability, and ability to handle many users.

Application programming interfaces

An application programming interface, commonly called an API, allows different systems to communicate.

A web application may use an API to:

• Process payments

• Send SMS messages

• Display maps

• Verify users

• Send emails

• Retrieve exchange rates

• Connect to social media platforms

For example, an ecommerce application may connect to an M-Pesa API to accept payments.

What do you need to build a web application?

The exact requirements depend on the application’s complexity.

A basic web application may require:

• A domain name

• Web hosting

• A frontend

• A backend

• A database

• An SSL certificate

• User authentication

• Regular backups

A larger application may also require:

• A virtual private server

• Cloud storage

• Load balancing

• Monitoring

• Automated deployment

• Database replication

• Security testing

• Content delivery networks

• Separate development and production environments

Planning these requirements early can reduce performance and security problems later.

Shared hosting vs VPS hosting for web applications

Some small web applications can run on shared hosting.

For example, shared hosting may be enough for:

• A simple WordPress membership site

• A small WooCommerce store

• A basic appointment system

• A small customer portal

• A lightweight PHP application

Shared hosting is easier to manage and usually costs less.

However, a virtual private server may be more suitable when the application:

• Receives high traffic

• Runs background tasks

• Requires custom server software

• Uses Node.js or specialised frameworks

• Needs more memory or processing power

• Stores large amounts of data

• Requires greater server control

• Handles many simultaneous users

A VPS gives you dedicated server resources and more control over the hosting environment.

How to choose hosting for a web application

Consider the following factors before selecting a hosting plan.

Expected traffic

Estimate how many people may use the application at the same time.

An application with 100 monthly users has different server requirements from one serving thousands of users every day.

Technology requirements

Check which programming languages, databases, frameworks, and server tools the application requires.

Not every hosting plan supports every technology.

Storage

Consider how much space is required for databases, images, videos, documents, backups, and user uploads.

Performance

Slow applications frustrate users and may reduce conversions.

Choose hosting with enough memory, processing power, and storage performance for the application.

Security

Applications that handle personal data, passwords, payments, or business records need strong security controls.

At minimum, use an SSL certificate, secure passwords, software updates, backups, and restricted user permissions.

Scalability

Your hosting environment should be able to grow as the number of users, transactions, and stored records increases.

A small application may begin on shared hosting and later move to a VPS.

Technical support

Reliable support is important when an application becomes unavailable or develops a server-related problem.

Choose a hosting provider that can help you resolve hosting, domain, SSL, and server issues.

Examples of web applications a small business can build

You do not need to create the next Facebook or Amazon.

A focused web application can solve one specific business problem.

A small business could build:

• A salon appointment system

• A school fee portal

• A rental property management platform

• A customer quotation tool

• An online ordering system

• A delivery tracking portal

• A membership website

• An employee leave management system

• A restaurant reservation platform

• A church membership system

• A loan repayment calculator

• A local job portal

• A supplier management platform

• A customer support portal

• A course and examination system

The best applications often begin with a clear problem faced by a specific group of users.

Benefits of web applications

Web applications offer several advantages to businesses and users.

Accessible from different devices

Users can access the application through a browser on a computer, tablet, or phone.

No full desktop installation

Most web applications do not require users to install large software packages.

Easier updates

Developers can update the application on the server. Users receive the latest version the next time they open it.

Centralised information

Data can be stored in one central system rather than spread across different devices or spreadsheets.

Collaboration

Several users can work on the same records, tasks, documents, or projects.

Automation

A web application can automate repetitive processes such as sending invoices, confirming bookings, calculating totals, or generating reports.

Business growth

A web application can help a business serve customers beyond its physical location and operate at any time of day.

Challenges of web applications

Web applications also come with responsibilities.

Security threats

Applications can be targeted through weak passwords, outdated software, insecure code, or poorly protected databases.

Internet dependence

Most web applications require a stable internet connection.

Development costs

Custom applications may require design, development, testing, hosting, maintenance, and ongoing improvements.

Performance problems

Poor code, weak hosting, large files, or inefficient databases can make an application slow.

Maintenance

A web application is rarely complete after launch. It needs software updates, backups, security checks, monitoring, and feature improvements.

Can WordPress be used to build a web application?

WordPress can be used to build some types of web applications.

With suitable themes, plugins, and custom development, WordPress can power:

• Membership platforms

• Ecommerce stores

• Directories

• Learning platforms

• Booking systems

• Job boards

• Customer portals

• Classified websites

• Online communities

WordPress may not be the best choice for every complex application, but it can be a practical option for small and medium-sized projects.

It is especially useful when content management, blogging, ecommerce, or user memberships are important parts of the platform.

How to start building a web application

A simple process may look like this:

1. Identify the problem the application will solve.

2. Define the target users.

3. List the essential features.

4. Sketch the main pages and user journey.

5. Choose the technology.

6. Register a domain name.

7. Select suitable hosting.

8. Build a basic version.

9. Test it with real users.

10. Improve the application based on feedback.

Start with the smallest useful version of the product.

For example, a booking application may first need only user registration, a booking form, an administrator dashboard, and email confirmations.

More advanced features can be added after the basic process works correctly.

Host your web application with Truehost

Every web application needs a reliable online home.

Truehost provides domain registration, web hosting, business email, VPS hosting, SSL certificates, and server solutions for different types of online projects.

You can start with shared hosting for a lightweight website or application, then move to a VPS when you need more resources, custom software, or greater control.

A suitable hosting setup can help your application remain fast, secure, and available as your user base grows.

Explore Truehost web hosting and VPS solutions to find an option that fits your project.

• See hosting plans

• See VPS plans

• Try AI Website Builder

Frequently asked questions

Is Facebook a web application?

Yes. Facebook is a web application because users can create accounts, publish content, send messages, join groups, and interact with personalised information through a browser.

Is Google a website or web application?

Google’s search homepage can be described as a website and a web application.

It displays information, but it also processes search requests and returns personalised results. Other Google products such as Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Drive are clear examples of web applications.

Is WordPress a web application?

Yes. The WordPress administration dashboard is a web application because users can log in, create content, upload files, install plugins, and change settings.

A website built with WordPress may be informational, interactive, or both.

Is Netflix a web application?

Yes. Netflix is a web application because users can create profiles, search content, receive recommendations, manage subscriptions, and stream videos through a browser.

Is an ecommerce website a web application?

Most ecommerce websites are web applications.

They allow users to search products, add items to a cart, create accounts, submit delivery details, make payments, and track orders.

Can a web application work on a phone?

Yes. Web applications can work on phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.

The application should use responsive design so that pages and controls adjust to different screen sizes.

Does a web application need a domain name?

A web application can technically run using an IP address or temporary development URL, but a domain name makes it easier to access, remember, brand, and secure.

For example, a business may use app.example.com or portal.example.com.

What hosting is best for a web application?

The best hosting depends on the application’s technology, traffic, storage, and performance requirements.

A lightweight application may run on shared hosting. A custom or resource-intensive application will usually perform better on a VPS or cloud server.

Final thoughts

Web applications power many of the online services people use every day.

Gmail helps users manage email, Canva provides online design tools, Shopify supports ecommerce stores, and Google Docs enables real-time collaboration.

Businesses can also build smaller applications for bookings, payments, customer management, education, delivery, reporting, and internal operations.

The key is to start with a clear problem, build the essential features, and choose hosting that can support the application as it grows.