Web App Architecture: Principles & Guidelines

The BBC once discovered that every extra moment it did take for its website to load costs them 10% more users. Managing high loads is crucial for a website that serves content online to over 1 billion devices. BBC’s solution was to create scalable web applications.

We often discuss the intricacies of developing applications, but we must also consider developing web application that can withstand peak usage.

In this article, I’ll go over what it takes to create a scalable web application that can handle high loads, as well as some standards and practices for creating scalable software systems.

What Is Scalable Web Architecture In Simple Words

I like to make a comparison between web architecture and a Lego city. Also it consists of tiny elements that can be combined to form larger parts. These elements are known as: in web architectures

• Modules
• Components

Web app architecture elements and components interact, and the ways in which they can be used differ as well. The goal of scalable architecture is to define the interaction boundaries between these components in order to ensure the app’s dependability.

Assume users need to build the wall in your Ninjago house and some bricks aren’t suitable at first. So you should change them: end up making them longer, wider, and so on. Only then can you connect one brick to another and also have a powerful wall.

A modular application design entails establishing rules and changing elements to ensure the app runs smoothly.

How Web Architecture Works

Let’s look at how scalable web architecture works now that you know what it is. All apps are composed of two main parts:

• Client-side, popularly called the frontend. It’s where user interaction takes place.
• Server-side, also known as the backend. This part is treated by developers only.

Another component is the database server, which sends the information requested to the server-side. Now that that’s clear, but here is what occurs when you start typing a query into Google and press enter.

• The browser sends your request to the Domain Name Server that will recognize the IP address;
• The server catches the request and sends it to the data storage;
• The server sends a response with requested data back to the browser;
• The page is then displayed on your screen with the requested information.

You’ve probably never considered what happens for the 1 – 2 seconds after you press enter, but here’s how it works. So, let’s look at why modular architecture is essential and what occurs if you don’t create one.

Why Is Scalable Web Architecture Important?

To be honest, not all applications ought to be scalable.

Before diving into “how to create scalable web applications,” we at ecodesoft  everytime ask “why?” So, if you arrive to us with an B2C good or service, it will most likely grow quickly. If the number of clients and services grows significantly, we’ll probably recommend constructing scalable web apps and include it in the technical requirements. Because your product necessitates scalable architecture. Since there is usually fewer data to process with B2B products, scaling isn’t a top priority.

Scalable web architecture assists you in understanding what where is situated in your app, saving you time later. I’ve outlined five key reasons why developing scalable web apps is critical. But keep in mind that reaping the full benefits necessitates a significant amount of effort right from the start of the development phase.

Smooth App Performance

Developing an app to purchase to 10-20K is a rare occurrence. Most businesses hope to acquire hundreds and thousands of customers during the first year. As a result, creating an app that isn’t scalable is a recipe for rapid technical debt.

Web services scalability allows your app to undertake and operate well regardless of how many people use it, whether 100 or 100,000. That is all.

Easy Integration Of New Features

While developing, I frequently ask myself: how can I create an app which not only did work without bugs but is also simple to modify? At this point, I begin to consider why I can make these Lego pieces universal, allowing me to easily plug in new pieces of functionality.

It implies less time and expenses on incorporating new features and services for you as a company owner. And this is where building modular web applications comes in handy.

Cost-Effectiveness

Scalable web architectures that have been well-thought-out can handle varying loads and adapt to the new business requirements with ease. As a result, you spend less money updating the location, integrating new functionality, and so on.

Reduced Development Time

It takes a long time to change the code structure, especially if it is poorly written. In a modular web application, however, devs can divide the framework into several smaller components, ultimately reducing development time.

Moreover, this becomes easier to incorporate new products and improvements without disrupting the entire design — a win-win situation for both developers owners.

High Security

Safety in modular web services is primarily concerned with reducing the attack surface. What else do I mean by this? Assume you have such a scalable structure and your friend does not.

You put in place proper security measures and carefully controlled access and data. Because information flows across the application in an unpredictable manner, your friend has very little control placed above a white security when the architecture is flawed.

In the event of a cybercriminal invasion, your friend is in danger. A scalable web architecture prevents data loss and blocks access to specific services. Scalable server architecture provides additional protection against such cyber-attacks, which cannot be overstated.

Ways Of Web Application Scaling

So, what should you do when ones servers can’t handle the volume of incoming requests in and out? There are two methods for scaling web applications:

Vertical Scaling

Once I say lateral scaling, I significantly improve system performance by adding larger machines.

For example, you are dissatisfied with the speed with which your app processes data. Start replacing your server with an more powerful one to resolve this. Instead of a 4GB system memory with two processors, you go with an 8GB server memory with four processors.

Scalability is the simplest scaling method because it requires no changes to the software programmes running on these systems.

Horizontal Scaling

Horizontal scaling is the process of increasing the system’s performance by adding more computers.

In this particular instance, you have such a 2GB domain controller with two processors and an additional one with same specifications. You now have two servers performing the same function at the same time. The end result is the same: your system runs faster and better.

This scaling approach is a little tricky because it necessitates a task scheduling element because requests must be aimed directly to different machines that must adhere to the same logic and rules in order to avoid conflict.

It’s difficult to say which method of scaling is best for you because it all varies depending on your specific item, duration, and potential growth strategy. So keep that in mind while working to develop or contact us. We will gladly consult with you on that matter.

How To Scale A Web Application: ecodesoft Flow

At ecodesoft, we take the approach of creating apps that people could use right away. Scaling web applications is important here because it reduces time-to-market, allowing people to use your app right away.

We have such a step-by-step guidance on how to step a web application to keep scaling organised. Examine it out.

Step 1 – Define The Bottleneck

We begin by defining the problem. Is it the long load times time or the high number of failures? We label it a bottleneck and investigate whether web scaling can help.

Step 2 – Scale

If the modular design can help in this, we choose one of the two scaling methods I explained above and begin scaling.

Step 3 – Look What Changed

Scalability web applications is useless unless you define the metrics you would like to improve. As a result, the first step is to identify the indicators you want to enhance and compare people both before and after trying to scale.

Examine how the page load time changed if that was the bottleneck.

Our task here is to not cram as much information as possible into your app. We take a step back and assist you in determining whether ones product actually requires scaling. Then we’ll get started.

Web Application Scalability Principles

Since we’re almost there, here are three principles to remember from the moment you plan to build web apps.

The App Performs Smoothly

As a result, ensure that your app operates smoothly and without interruptions. 47% of customers expect an average website to load in no more than 2 seconds. People dislike waiting, and don’t give them an excuse to abandon your app, particularly if you can resolve the issue.

The App Is Available

Accessibility is critical. If you require your item to be accessible 24 hours a day, layout it in a modular manner that enables the scheme to be in place rapidly in the event of a failure.

The App Is Easy To Update

Your product should be simple to use and update. Scalable code is code that can be retained by new eyes, deployed on new platforms, and is clear enough that a development company can open it years ago and understand it.

Summing Up

Scalable architecture is just what matters to app performance. At its most basic, the primary objective of scalable web architectural style is to ensure that the app runs smoothly.

Scaling can be accomplished in two ways. Choose one predicated on your product, duration, and future growth strategy. The main advantages of scalable architectures are the ability to execute more work and maintain high load achievement without having experienced downtime responding.

It should be noted that not each app should be expandable. However, every scalable app necessitates the involvement of a professional team. ecodesoft  has over 5 years of experience working to develop apps for startups all over the world. So, if you need assistance designing a scalable architecture or are unsure whether you require one, please contact us. We will gladly assist you!