Web applications are designed to be accessed exclusively through a web browser. They use a combination of server-side scripting (e.g., ASP.NET, PHP) and client-side scripting (e.g., HTML, JavaScript) to deliver core functionalities. The web browser retrieves the server-side components hosted on the backend infrastructure to provide the intended user experience. Examples of popular web applications include Facebook, Twitter, Medium, Smashing Magazine, and Flipkart.
SaaS (Software as a Service), on the other hand, is a more advanced form of an online application. While it can also be accessed via a web browser, it isn’t entirely dependent on it to function. SaaS solutions offer greater customization, seamless integrations, and reliable backend support for a robust user experience. Popular SaaS products include Evernote, Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, and Dropbox.