What Is Web Architecture? (Plus Types And Examples)

Updated 20 March 2023

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Many professionals and organisations use web architecture to offer an array of online services to their customers. An effective web architecture can help companies create an app that is user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, functional and highly reliable. Learning more about the components and types of web architecture may allow you to choose the optimal infrastructure for your professional needs.

In this article, we discuss 'What is web architecture?', explore its primary types, offer various examples and provide tips on how to optimise your web architecture.

What Is Web Architecture?

If you have been wondering 'What is web architecture?', you might find it interesting to know that web architecture is the process of designing, creating and implementing an internet-based computer program. Often, these programs are websites that contain useful information for a user. Web developers may design these programs for a particular purpose, company or brand. Web architecture entails every component of an application and helps web developers create designs that enhance a user's experience. Ideally, a completed project allows users to access information easily and understand how to navigate its content.

While there are many approaches, strategies and patterns of web application architecture, the process commonly involves these components:

Design: This refers to how the program appears aesthetically to a user.
IT infrastructure: This element of a web architecture program includes coding and software development involved in designing a program.
User experience: Besides design aspects, web architecture concepts allow developers to implement other program functions that appeal to a user, such as simple language or easy navigation.
Software: Effective web architecture often includes the development of robust software to support the functions of a program or application.
Monetisation: This refers to the ability to monetise a web program, which developers incorporate into the foundational architecture of a program.
Efficiency: The methods used to create a program directly relate to its efficiency, both in its design and at a software level.
Reliability: This refers to the web application's trustworthiness and consistency when a user attempts to access it. Emphasising this component can help developers avoid technical glitches and other issues that may arise on a user's end.
Scalability: While designing, it is important for web developers to consider the potential need to eventually increase the size and reach of the program.
Security: This refers to the level of network security a web program possesses to ensure the protection of user data.

Types Of Web Architecture

To better understand what web architecture is, it is vital to also know about its various structures. Following are four of the primary types of web architectures:

Single-page applications

Some web applications load entirely new pages from their server each time a user performs a different action. By contrast, a single-page application (SPA) simply updates the content on its current page when a user accesses a function within the web application. SPAs can help provide users with a more streamlined user experience that is fast to navigate.

Serverless architecture

Serverless architecture refers to a website or application hosted by a third-party cloud services vendor. A company that creates a web app using serverless architecture can simply focus on its functions available to users rather than spending time on the underlying infrastructure. Serverless architecture can be a good option for organisations that do not have the technological capabilities to successfully handle all the traffic that their web app experiences.

Microservices

Microservices refer to web applications designed to perform specific and simple functions. Each of these functions operates independently of all the other functions, meaning that developers can use different programming languages to create them. This can make it easier to test and deploy the various functions within the microservices at different times.

For instance, a social media platform might offer users various features, including an internal chat system, the ability to comment on others' posts and image-uploading services. if the social media site uses a microservices architecture for these features, that means that the other functions can continue to operate even if one of them requires an update or modification.

Multi-page applications

Multi-page applications (MPAs) load various pages from their servers based on the end users' interactions with that app. Companies with larger or more complex web often choose an MPA set-up. Using an MPA structure can be a good option for businesses that offer forums, blogs or e-commerce shops.

Examples Of Web Architecture

Following are just a few examples of web apps or online services that can benefit from professionals having an understanding of web architecture:

Progressive web apps: Progressive web apps (PWAs) are designed to behave like mobile apps, but on a computer's online browser. They typically offer features such as offline access, push notifications and options for direct download.
Forums: Online forums often use web architecture so that they can provide dependable services, including posting and commenting features, to a potentially large user base.
Chatbots: Many web apps nowadays offer chatbots that can instantly provide the answers to frequently asked questions from end-users. When these chatbots use artificial intelligence technology, they can, over time, teach themselves the answers to a greater range of potential user questions.
E-commerce stores: An online store usually provides users with an array of functions that can benefit from a reliable website architecture. These functions might include a digitised cart, secure payment options, customisable inventory search features and methods for tracking shipped orders.

Tips For Optimising Your Web Architecture

Consider referencing these tips to optimise the development and maintenance of your web architecture:

Carefully choose your model

Before you begin your project, it may be helpful to consider the different options available to you. There are many patterns and structures of web architecture, so it is important to select one optimally suited to your specific project needs. Some of these models include:

HTML web application: This is a highly secure application type that employs simple construction methods to create data-heavy programs.
Widget web application: This is a dynamic, user-friendly model that has a long development period and a lower level of security incorporated.
Single-page web application: This is a rapidly responding, lightweight program that is easily adaptable to other platforms, such as mobile devices.
Progressive web application: This is a multi-layered application that allows for the ability to incorporate new technologies that enhance a user's experience.

Prioritise simplicity

Since users interact with your finished products, it is often best to keep your programs as simple as possible. In the design process, try to create a user-friendly interface that is easy to access and understand. The simplicity of a particular design broadens your potential audience and creates a product that streamlines users' experiences.

One specific element you might want to simplify in your program design is the navigation menu. Try to build a menu that allows users to easily move from page to page within a program. This limits the amount of time a user spends becoming familiar with your site and streamlines their experience.

Implement security measures

Another important tip for optimising your web architecture is to implement security measures. This protects users' data and the data stored within the program against cybersecurity threats. Additionally, it increases the reliability of your program. There are many security methods you might consider implementing, so it is crucial to select the one that is best suited to your program.

Remain consistent

Develop a program that is consistent for a user. For example, if you create a website, ensure that you use the same colour scheme and text font for all the new content you place on the site. Additionally, try to maintain the same tone throughout the site to ensure a consistent, thorough design.