Web application development is constantly changing and evolving, this means that developers have to keep up with the times to make sure they’re staying relevant. Here are some of the most important principles of modern web app development from Iflexion you need to know.

Principle 1: Being productive doesn’t just mean being fast

As a developer, you may think that completing a job in the least amount of time possible is one of your strengths, but, are you doing the best job you can do in that timeframe? My guess is no. More often than not, if you’re rushing something, chances are that you’re sacrificing some of the finer details in order to get the bulk of the work done. This will hurt you in the end.

So, for complex apps, take your time and really build it up with care, paying attention to all the little nuances that will make it run smoothly and effectively.

Really, for web app developers being productive means that you can be as fast as you are effective.

Principle 2: Make quality work

A quality application is more than just following the specs. It has to be built with an eye for the future, as well as the present. It must be an app that adapts to the constant changes in technology so that you’ll be solving the users’ long-term needs and will grow with their businesses.

Also, a quality application will be easier to maintain.

Principle 3: Think of the user first

This is an obvious one, but one that somehow manages to get forgotten constantly. Like any other commodity out there, a web application has to have its users in mind. Meaning that even if you build the greatest app you’ve ever seen, that will mean nothing unless the users can actually use it and accept it.

So, try not to get wrapped up in the latest technology and don’t rush the process because, in the end, what you want most of all is to provide a great user experience.

Principle 4: Make it secure

Something that should never be left to chance with your web applications is security. According to this article, the preferred method for attacking businesses’ online assets is through their Web apps.

The reason for that is simple, an HP study on cyber security risk found that 86% of web applications have some serious issues involving authentication, access control, and confidentiality. That means that more than eight in ten web apps have a big weakness just waiting to be exploited by some clever hackers.

This is why security for your web app must not be thought of as a feature, but rather be built into them from the very start.

Principle 5: Tools are your friends

Custom website development entails more knowledge than you think. It entails programming languages, knowing about web vulnerabilities, Javascript, API integration, creating a responsive design; it has it all.

What this means is that web applications are more complex than they have ever been, and developing them requires a skillset that is always evolving and changing. This is where tools come in to save the day. These tools help developers achieve everything they need to get done without sacrificing function and security.

Principle 6: Keep in mind we live in a multi-screen world

Though some still argue about it, the truth is that the discussion regarding mobile web vs. native apps no longer applies.

In this day and age, you can no longer assume that your web apps will be viewed on a PC, in fact, more often than not it will be viewed via a mobile device (be it a tablet or a smartphone), so you have to make sure it can be viewed across different devices and screen sizes.

Some companies specialize in adaptive web development that can be viewed on multiple screens.

Principle 7: Your applications need to be fast

According to report by the Consumer Insights team of Microsoft Canada,

our attention span has been decreasing rapidly. That, in conjunction to the fact that applications have to handle more data than ever before, clearly signifies a need for speed.

Also, speed has become a ranking factor on Google which means that if your web app is slow to load, you will be penalized for it by having it ranked lower and that, of course, will lead to fewer users and bad business.