Guide to Web Application Architecture

Components of Web Application Architecture

The number of layers and components varies in accordance with the complexity and usefulness of the applications. Sometimes an application is so straightforward that it functions as a monolith, putting all the web application design architecture in one location.

All the same, a standard web application will have several interconnected parts, or layers. In online application architecture, the user interface and structural web components are often the two main categories. Client-side and server-side components are included in structural web components in turn.

Web Application Architecture Diagram

The descriptions of each component might not be sufficient to fully explain the situation when there are too many involved. In this case, a web application architecture diagram might be useful as it provides a schematic representation of the various components and their relationships. Let’s now examine more closely at the important components shown in this diagram.

Illustration of a web application architecture diagram

1. DNS

DNS is an acronym for the domain name system. It’s a crucial component that links domain names with IP addresses. This is how an end user sends a request to a certain server.

2. Load Balancer

When an excessive number of users are active at once, it routes incoming requests from app users to one of the several servers, distributing the load more fairly. Web application services typically consist of many copies that mirror each other so that requests can be handled uniformly by all servers. Another component that disperses work to stop them from overcharging is the load balancer.

3. Web App Servers

In essence, this component is an app deployment description. What does that signify? It implies that it responds to the user’s queries by processing them and sending them back to the original browser. It refers to the back-end infrastructure, such as the database, job queue, cache server, etc., to make it happen.

4. Database

This component’s significance is rather simple to understand. It provides an extensive range of tools to conduct, remove, arrange, and update data entries. Web app servers and job servers communicate with each other directly most of the time.

5. Caching Service

The component makes searching and storing data simple and rapid. Search results may be cached by the user after they get information from the server. Future requests will therefore be fulfilled considerably more quickly.

When caching is effective, the following situations occur:

  • calculation that is laborious or repetitive
  • When someone makes a specific request and gets comparable results

6. Job Queue (Optional)

This one consists of two parts: servers that handle the jobs and a job queue. Numerous web servers handle a lot of small-scale tasks. A task that has to be completed is placed in the queue and will be completed on time.

7. Full-Text Search Service (Optional)

Numerous web applications facilitate text-based search functionality. Subsequently, an application notifies the user of the pertinent results. The entire procedure is known as a full-text search, and it can search through all of the system’s documents for the desired data using a keyword.

8. CDN

The shortened form CDN is an acronym for content delivery network. Static content, such as photos and other files, is sent by this mechanism. In essence, it consists of several servers that are situated nearer to end users’ locations than the database of an application. As a result, CDN significantly lowers load times by more efficiently delivering material to users worldwide.

What is a 3-tier Architecture?

Most web applications are developed by segmenting their primary purpose into multiple layers or tiers. This allows you to separately update or upgrade those layers in a quick and easy manner. We refer to it as a three-tier or multi-tier architecture.

Three layers, or tiers, comprise a three-tier web architecture:

  • Presentation (client) layer
  • Application (business) layer
  • Data access layer

One could argue that the current architecture of web apps is the safest and most secure. The fact that the client does not have direct access to the data explains it. Multiple machine providers can be used to deploy application servers, allowing for greater scalability, performance, and efficiency.

This architecture can be scaled horizontally since each tier can be scaled individually. Furthermore, since data will pass through the app server—which controls exactly how and by whom data is accessed—it also greatly enhances overall data integrity. This fantastic benefit is a simple and affordable fix for newly hired managers.

Modern Web Application Architecture Layers

Let’s now examine each of the three web application architectural layers in more detail.

Presentation/Client Layer

The front end of an application is implied when we discuss the presentation layer. End users can see components like the dynamic interface and static content in this layer. Any browser can be used as this layer’s environment. We can mention HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as some of the technologies that are utilized in this instance. There are three possible frameworks to select from: Vue, React, and Angular.

Business/Application Layer

The application layer, often known as the business layer, is a component of the app back-end. Business logic and browser request replies are determined by the web application’s back end and forwarded to the presentation layer. It includes an outline of the internal data and request flow as well as the main application logic. The most practical setting in this scenario is servers, or serverless cloud platforms, or PaaS. We can list C#, JavaScript, Java, Python, and PHP as some of the programming languages that are employed in this situation. A few of the possible back-end frameworks are express.js, nest.js, ASP.NET, Flask, Django, and Symfony.

Data Access Layer

The data access layer, the last layer in this design, is vital since it intimately interfaces with the business layer to retrieve data from the servers. In the process of processing requests, the data service layer serves as a mediator between the client and the business logic.

It is a portion of the app’s back end that houses databases and database management systems (DBMS), which gather, organize, and store data. The application layer and the environment may be the same. We can list PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, MongoDB, Cloud Offerings, and other database management systems.

Through the appropriate components, each layer communicates with the others while operating independently.

Types of Web Application Architecture

An architecture type for a web application is a specific pattern that governs how the various components communicate with one another. Three categories could be used to categorize the underlying layers: hosting strategy, server side architecture, and client side architecture.

Client Side

Single-Page Application Architecture

The architecture of this web application is made to display only pertinent content. It accomplishes this by loading the pertinent webpage first, then dynamically updating the representation of its content with just the data that is requested.

Stated differently, it sends requests for the necessary portions of the webpage alone and does not use the server to load new pages.

Performance is improved and the user experience is made more intuitive with single-page applications.

Benefits of a single-page application design

  • quicker output
  • increased UX flexibility

Cons of an app architecture that is one page:

  • longer testing periods
  • Potential loss of unfinished work
  • a lower initial load speed

Progressive Web Apps

Because of its distinct format, progressive web apps continue to be one of the most promising web app trends. Through a shared URL, they provide a simple and efficient user experience that is accessible from any browser or device.

Progressive web apps are widely used in a variety of industries, including eCommerce, banking, and entertainment. Their main advantages are their portability, affordability, cross-device compatibility, online traffic generation potential, and a fully functional app experience.

Pros of the architecture for progressive web apps:

  • accessibility of browsers
  • mobile-first strategy
  • a rise in traffic
  • Efficiency in non-online mode

Cons of the architecture of progressive web apps:

  • limited compatibility with certain browsers
  • restricted use of native APIs.

Server Side

Microservice Architecture

A dependable substitute for an unpredictable monolithic web application design is often microservices. They distribute the capability to provide discrete, light-weight services.

Specifically, they are loosely tied and communicate via APIs in the event that a complex business issue emerges. Because different programming languages can be used to create individual service components, this characteristic makes life easier for developers.

Microservice architecture has becoming more and more popular these days because to its stability and adaptability, and companies like Netflix, eBay, and Amazon are using it for their complicated requirements.

Benefits of microservice design

  • simpler scaling up
  • increased ability to tolerate errors
  • Easy-to-understand code foundation
  • deployment of independent modules

Drawbacks of the microservice architectural model:

  • Difficulties with testing and debugging
  • Complex deployment

Hosting Approach

Serverless Architecture

In this form of design, web application development, server and infrastructure administration are outsourced to a third-party cloud service provider. In this manner, the execution of the web application logic won’t interfere with the infrastructure.

A serverless architecture is an excellent option for businesses that would prefer to focus on front-end development activities and leave server and hardware management to a dependable tech partner.

Additionally, this form of web application architecture permits the development of minor app functions. Among the service companies that help with server management are Microsoft and Amazon.

Benefits of in-memory architecture

  • Absence of server management
  • Highly scalable
  • Minimized latency
  • Speed and flexibility

Cons of serverless architecture:

  • Security concerns
  • High complexity

Advanced & Scalable Web Application Architecture

The ever-evolving digital technologies provide up new opportunities for web apps. Their architecture consequently changes to meet the needs of software and new business requirements. These days, software developers need to take the right steps and put plans in place to address the issues facing different businesses. Let’s examine which business needs have the biggest influence on software development and how experts may use current trends and well-designed architecture to guarantee that web apps have the essential features.

These days, enhanced scalability, dependability, and security are three of the most desired qualities in web apps. Businesses need to know that their unique software is dependable and won’t crash when things get busy or are malicious. Developers constantly improve software design by incorporating more sophisticated technologies and stricter standards in order to meet these objectives.

These days, cloud technologies assist meet most requirements for web applications’ safety and scalability. They are widely used by web developers for two key functions: intelligent load balancing and sophisticated content delivery and storage.

For the construction of the majority of corporate web applications, cloud solutions are the most obvious and ideal choice of technology. For this reason, a large number of web developers efficiently utilize a variety of cloud services offered by major IT companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. These days, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services are vital resources that may be tailored for every kind of online application. Here are some applications and advantages of integrating cloud services into web app architecture.

Data Storage Tools

  • Amazon S3
  • Azure Cloud Storage
  • Google Cloud Storage

When data from web apps is stored in the cloud rather than on-premises, it is more easily available to users from anywhere. The majority of cloud service providers provide a number of subscription options with different capacities for volume and traffic load. They guarantee the safety and security of your information, which is a priceless benefit for businesses.

Developers can also improve users’ access times in specified geographic locations with cloud storage. Customers or staff utilizing an online application will lag less as a result. Developers can alter the service subscription plan and add new cloud storage units or remove existing ones after a web application is deployed. This optimizes app costs and greatly enhances scalability based on the size of the business.

Load Balancing Tools

  • AWS Elastic Load Balancing
  • Azure Load Balancer
  • Google Cloud Load Balancing

Even during periods of large traffic loads, load balancers make that a web application operates without hiccups. Technology like this is extremely helpful for retail or business-to-consumer companies. These spikes in demand are typically anticipated and occur on a regular basis, like over the holidays. On occasion, though, they are the consequence of malevolent assaults meant to interfere with a certain company’s internet activities. DDoS attacks are the most prevalent kind, and they can seriously harm any internet company. By employing hardware or software components, predetermined policies, and several servers, load balancing technologies assist in distributing excess loads.

Caching and Content Delivery Tools

  • Amazon CloudFront
  • Azure CDN
  • Google Cloud CDN and Media CDN
  • CloudFlare

In order to maximize data access and enhance app speed, software developers may incorporate a caching mechanism into the application architecture. An app’s cache typically holds the data that has been queried most recently or often. Compared to retrieving the same information from a database on an application server, it transmits data to a user device far more quickly.

A web application may have an in-memory cache, a distributed cache, or a global cache, depending on its architecture. A content delivery network (CDN) is another often used method for caching. By redirecting searches to a CDN server, developers can lessen the strain on an application server.

Web Application Architecture Best Practices

Here are the top 5 suggestions that business owners should take into account when developing their web app architecture projects and collaborating with tech partners.

1. Think of a proper web application architecture at the earliest stages

Your application will become an unmanageable maze of disorganized parts and pieces if it lacks a thorough framework.

2. Don’t copy somebody’s success

The most common error is to just copy the web application architecture of a profitable business. In actuality, a great architecture is one that aligns with your ideas and business objectives rather than theirs.

3. Pay attention to your technical limitations

Getting the greatest and most effective components for your web application architecture isn’t always feasible. You will, however, get the most out of every one of your components if you pay the right attention to quality attributes and set reasonable business objectives.

4. Eliminate the problems right away

Don’t wait for the web app to be released before fixing any architectural issues. Its essential functions will be more dependable the sooner you fix the problems.

5. Create a checklist of successful web app features

It’s a good idea to establish your expectations and measurable KPIs with your tech partner early on in the development of your web app to ensure it has met its objectives.

The following elements could be on the potential checklist:

  • Total system adaptability
  • The parts are reusable.
  • Well-written code Scalability
  • System dependability
  • Simple bug identification
  • Respecting security guidelines
  • fields for handling user comments
  • No mishaps
  • Simple to operate
  • reacts quickly
  • able to be automatically deployed

Summing Up

Any online platform-based digital product needs to have a strong, efficient, scalable, secure web application architecture, especially when it comes to business. Because of this, the architecture needs to be created and executed by professionals in software engineering who have worked on projects similar to yours before.

For more than 15 years, Intellectsoft has been developing digital solutions for businesses of all sizes in a variety of industries, including Fintech, healthcare, construction, hospitality, logistics, and e-commerce. We build solutions with the most effective, secure, and adaptable web app architecture for startups, SMBs, and large corporations worldwide.

Therefore, the following are only a few advantages to pick our software engineering specialists if you’re searching for a development team that will guarantee excellent current web application architecture:

  • Numerous programming tools and technologies are covered by our talent pool for developing online, mobile, desktop, cloud, and other solutions.
  • We have completed and delivered more than 600 digital solutions for companies with success. These are some of our most well-known cases.
  • Across the Atlantic, our group of engineers is dispersed across 21 countries.
  • Our clientele ranges in size from Fortune 500 companies like Audi, Harley Davidson, Universal, Nestle, Melco, and others to early-stage startups.

Please contact us with your needs if you would like to learn more about the unique web application architecture solutions we can develop and offer for your company. Our group will ensure that the modern web app architecture for your product is flawless.

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