: Is my project a web site or a mobile app? I am a web developer. I have been developing web sites professionally for 15+ years using ColdFusion, SQL Server, and jQuery. I am doing a project
I am a web developer. I have been developing web sites professionally for 15+ years using ColdFusion, SQL Server, and jQuery.
I am doing a project for a client that uses the above technologies. The site has a mobile facet too. For that, I am using jQuery Mobile. The site enables retail store personnel to gather a store customer's preferences using any smart phone or tablet. The store personnel just needs to access a special link via a QR code and a login. Anyone can easily access the site from a PC's browser, too.
Some sources suggest that mobile apps must be downloaded and installed using a third party, such as from Google, Amazon, or Apple. Others sources suggest that any information designed for use on mobile device is a mobile app.
Regarding the site that is specifically designed for use by mobile devices that extensively uses jQuery Mobile, is this a "web site" or a "mobile app"? What is the "proper" description for this type of site?
My customer insists that it is one and not the other. I insist that it is the other and not the one.
Can you help me clarify this?
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Although you are developing for mobile web, for sure it's a site not an app.
Apps are actual applications that are downloaded and installed on your mobile device, rather than being rendered within a browser.
For a more comperative explanation please refer to: hswsolutions.com/services/mobile-web-development/mobile-website-vs-apps/
Is there some reason this is important enough to have become an argument? (eg. Client is needing to "justify" budget to someone above him, does it change your billing, etc.) The lines have gotten blurred enough in some use cases that it's pretty pointless, really.
If I had to play along, I'd actually say neither and call it a "web app" where, as Nathaniel mentions, I see "mobile app" generally being used more in terms of native/installed applications. Now, anyway. When things like LocalStorage were less common, the distinction probably wouldn't have been as strong.
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