Difference between an app and an app

For many people, an app and an app are the same thing, but there are certain differences between the two. Applications run on a desktop computer and cannot be run on a mobile platform; while an application can run on mobile phones. It can also run on desktop computers, but it is designed specifically for mobiles and tablets. There are certain features that differentiate an app from an app. They are the following:

Design:

Applications are large in memory and are capable of handling large amounts of data. They are capable of doing many tasks. While apps have less memory and can only handle a moderate amount of data. An application is designed to perform only a specific task. Some examples of apps are Open Office, Photoshop, Quick Office browsers and apps, WhatsApp, Angry Birds.

Platforms:

The apps are designed to work on heavy operating systems like Windows XP/Vista/7, Apple OS (OS X) and Ubuntu, i.e. they can only work on desktop operating systems. On the other hand, the apps are specifically designed to operate on lightweight mobile operating systems like Android, iOS, and Windows Phone OS.

Apps can run not only on mobile devices and tablets, but also on desktops as long as, of course, the desktop’s operating system supports those apps. The apps can only run on desktops and laptops, but not on mobiles and tablets.

Functionality:

The apps will have full functionality and can be used to perform a wide range of tasks. For example, if we take the Firefox browser application, it is capable of performing different tasks like opening websites, playing videos on websites, displaying maps, and actions.

Apps, on the other hand, have limited functionality and can only perform a single task for which they were designed. Different apps are designed to perform different individual tasks, like playing YouTube videos, displaying stock maps. For example, WhatsApp can be used only for the messaging for which it is designed.

Cost:

Apps come at a much higher price compared to apps because apps are sophisticated and can perform a wide range of intensive tasks. While the apps will not cost much as they are very basic in design and are designed to perform specific simple tasks. Many apps are available at no cost.

Availability:

Major IT companies such as Windows, Apple, Adobe, and others provide the applications. Applications like Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop are used for multitasking and cost more. The applications are available for mobile phones in different stores such as the Apple app store, Google Play (Android), Windows phone store and BlackBerry app world, all of these stores can be accessed directly from the mobile.