The technological world keeps on evolving, changing, and modifying for the better. Be it a language, a tool, or a framework; it is always open to improvement once launched into the market.
Every web applications development company leading the market has managed to match its pace with the ever-evolving technology.
However, many aspects are common and do not really change even if the frameworks, languages, or tools go through drastic transformations- these aspects never become obsolete.
Therefore, the following aspects must be considered while developing a large scale web application for any field- be it business or e-commerce. If you need to establish a solid foundation for your web application, these are the things you have to consider in all cases.
Let’s find out what they are:
- Architecture:
Like a building requires a solid architecture to stand firm, an application requires a solid architecture to get ready for the competitive market.
The architecture can be broken down into five categories: API, languages, framework, topology, and integration. There are thousands of things that one needs to consider while developing their applications. However, it is safe to say architecture is one of the most crucial aspects of it.
It would help if you understood not which tech stack you end up choosing; it’s about how to use the one you have chosen. You can find a developer for whatever tech stack you choose, therefore, choosing a technology is not such a big problem, but finding the right resource is.
Of course, there are frameworks, software, and languages that you should first analyze and then choose, but flexible resources can work with most technologies.
- Continuous Integration (CI):
Do you know what can be a massive bonus for your web app? A system for CI and CD (Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery) helps complete the project within the set timeframe. It allows developers to extend all limits to integrating features, rather than monotonous tasks such as testing, deploying, and building regularly. Almost all companies providing their web application development services make sure they have a CI & CD system to avoid any human error.
The system works in three phases: testing, building, and deploying (like a conveyor belt). Therefore, the significance of the CI & CD system is incredibly apparent. It has done wonders in automating the development task, ultimately saving up a lot of time and effort.
- Test-Driven Deployment:
Choosing whether to use TDD while developing your web application is not a black and white choice. Let’s be honest; a lot of thought, attention, and a considerable amount of time must be given to make up the choice.
Many people may suggest not to give this a second thought and just go for it. But you must be aware of the tough spots you can encounter when deploying TDD.
It sure is applicable anywhere things can not possibly go wrong. Therefore, testing is not required.
Suppose you are rendering an essential component provided with a set of props without using much business logic in the method. In such cases, it doesn’t make sense to test if this renders appropriately or not.
Where TDD can prove super beneficial is while working with new developers who are refactoring the code. Testing it helps ensure no other of the applications is breaking. This provides the project with a modular architecture that is easy to refactor and understand and does not end up producing spaghetti code.
- Persistence:
Another critical aspect that is also a subcategory to architecture is persistence. However, it consists of many things that are worth mentioning; therefore, here it is- in its own section.
These persistence-related patterns remain the same across every platform/ language, so here’s what you should know when it comes to data storage.
- Object Relational Mapping (ORM):
ORMs are libraries that facilitate easy development for developers working with databases, who do not have to worry about coding queries and creates an abstraction layer over the storage type.
- Seeders:
While beginning with implementation, a developer would require test data to work. Therefore, seeders are needed to initialize the database using the dummy data.
- Migrations:
Migrations are the scripts required when there’s a need for building a database from scratch by utilizing the models and their relationships. Any changes to the database have to be reapplied from the start by every migration script to rebuild the entire database from scratch. - Security:
Since the internet isn’t very secure, each application must be implemented, supposing everyone on the internet is there to hack your website. One thing is for sure; you can never make your application fully secure, no matter how many layers of security you have added. Your web application’s security would depend on how well the web app development company implements its strategies.
Of course, there are many best practices and fundamental ways of integrating security using the many resources available online.
Here are the best practices you can use:
- JSON Web Token (JWT):
This standard is used to form a secure communication between the server and the client. This works as a JWT Token is given by the server to the user while signing in.
- Password Hashing/Salting:
This security concern is one of the most important since you do not wish hackers to access your database. Therefore hashing and salt must be used on the password when being sorted.
- Session Expiry/Cookies:
The JWT token is, in most cases, stored in cookies along with an expiry date. Every request made to the server sends the cookies to be verified when an authenticated user is making a request.
Conclusion:
Developing a large scale application isn’t such a big deal if you know the essential aspects one should pay full focus to. When you obtain web application development services from any company, make sure they know all the elements that require attention. Analyze the aspects mentioned above, and make an informed choice while developing your large-scale web application.