Web application software is used to design, implement, optimize and maintain Web sites and Web clients. Software types include Web browsers, plug-ins, scripting languages, and other similar applications. Most web application software is designed to interface with specific Web design protocols or programming conventions such as hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), file transfer protocol (FTP), and simple mail transport protocol (SMTP). Web application software also provides application-specific technologies to support the purchase of products, the distribution of enterprise-wide applications, and the processing of financial transactions.

Types of Web Application Software

Web design software and web development software are two common types of web application software. Web design software is used to lay out Web pages; create, enhance, and convert graphics; and provide functional blueprints to Web applications and services developers. Once the functional design and general look is approved, Web developers use Web development software to create the actual pages and programs to be published on a Web server. These programs allow WYSIWYG (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) editors to write the markup languages and scripts necessary to communicate with the server, databases, and various browser technologies found on a Web client. Developers also use web application software to create databases and manage servers in order to provide the full-range of functionality required by the functional and detailed parameters of designers.

Web Site Optimization

Web site optimization is an important part of web application software. By optimizing their Web sites, businesses can create survey programs and data-mining applications that can provide customized products and services to specific demographics. Web application software also includes tools that permit organizations to conduct Web site maintenance activities that allow web sites to run reliably and efficiently. Such web site software is capable of tuning databases, enforcing revision control on Web site changes through a check-out/check-in process, and archiving transactions that have passed a certain time period.