Tech Topic Connection: Web and Mobile Applications

 

Tech Topic Connection

Web and Mobile Applications & Programming Languages

Introduction

The history of the computer and its generations is a fascinating saga that has radically transformed the way we live, work and communicate. (Dr369, 2024) As technology continues to advance at such a rapid rate, web and mobile applications and programming languages play a big role in shaping the world of modern information technology (IT). The history of computers has advanced at a rapid pace as well, it began with computers that took up a whole room (the first supercomputers), such as the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), and weighed 27 tons. It has advanced to today’s computers that are desktop and weigh around 20 pounds, and laptops that weigh around 5 pounds, and you can carry them everywhere you go. The first computers used high level languages such as FORTRAN or COBOL, (Kirvan, 2025) that was the first few programming languages. Processing power is the main difference between supercomputers and general-purpose computer systems. 

Web and mobile application tools not only facilitate user interactions and experiences but also serve as the foundation for developing innovative solutions across different sectors. In this blog post, I will further explore how be and mobile applications connect to the fundamentals of information technology, examining their historical context, reliance on hardware components, utilization of programming languages, role within application software, relevance to database management, and the significance of network architecture and security.

Relation to Information Technology Concepts

Information Technology (IT) encompasses the use of computers, software, networks, and systems to manage and process information, playing a crucial role in modern businesses and society. Key concepts in IT are hardware and software, networking, cybersecurity, databases, and cloud computing. Web and mobile applications are deeply rooted in the history of computing, evolving from early software models to today’s powerful applications. The development of the internet in the late 20^th century marked a major shift significantly in how applications functioned, giving users access to services and information globally through browsers and mobile devices. Computers operate based on data processes, based on a series of algorithms, relying on application programming interfaces (APIs) to promote communication between software and hardware components. Understanding how this interacts together is the foundation to how we approach software development today.

Reliance on Major Hardware Components

Web and mobile applications depend significantly on several major hardware components of modern computers to function effectively. For example, apps need a strong (CPU) central processing unit to execute commands and run operations efficiently. The graphics processing unit (GPU) plays a vital role in making the visual elements in applications, and improves experience, especially in graphics-intensive applications such as mobile games or video-editing tools.
(Testout, 2024) When it comes to memory, sufficient (RAM) Random Access Memory is a requirement for applications to run smoothly while running several different tasks and not have any lagging. If your computer is running slow when you are running multiple apps, you should try a computer with more RAM. Another example is running several browser tabs alongside mobile apps need adequate RAM to avoid performance slowdown.

Programming Languages                          

To make a computer do things, you need to program it. A program gives step-by-step instructions to the computer. These instructions must be very clear because the computer can only do what you tell it to do. Every piece of software you've ever used, from the browser on your computer to your favorite app on your phone, exists because of the coding and programming someone has done. (TestOut, 2024) There are many different programming languages. “These languages make it much easier for humans to read and write instructions for tasks that the computer will perform.  Software that has been programmed correctly helps people to solve problems.” (TestOut, 2024)

The construction of web and mobile applications is fundamentally tied to many programming languages and execution methods. Popular languages, like Python, and JavaScript generally provide development framework for the creation of applications. Each language offers specific advantages; for instance, JavaScript is critical for developing good content in web apps, while Swift is optimized for use in  iOS applications. Another example, is JavaScript is widely used for building interactive web applications, allowing developers to focus on (UI) user-interface, and content that responds to user inputs. Understanding how these programming languages compile, interpret, and execute code is necessary for developers. The choices you make in your programming languages influence how an applications performance, user accessibility, and scalability. Knowledge of many programming languages and their execution methods is critical for developers to create effective applications.

Application Software

Application software plays an important role in the context of web and mobile applications by providing the tools that users rely on for a wide variety of tasks. Web and mobile apps, whether they are social media apps, e-commerce platforms, productivity tools, or entertainment apps, they are able to operate within the frameworks by which the programming languages that built them and depend on hardware capabilities (operating systems of computers or mobile devices) to deliver their functionality. For example, Microsoft Word and Google Docs allow users to work on documents in collaboration with other users in real-time, benefiting from the capabilities of web applications that enable smooth user interactions across different devices.

Database Management

Web and mobile apps depend on databases for managing, storing, and retrieving information. Effective database management is critical for web and mobile applications, as they need to store and retrieve data efficiently. Apps that handle large amounts of data rely on database management systems to ensure data integrity and optimize transactions.  Common examples include mobile apps like Instagram and Uber, and web applications like Amazon and Trello. These rely heavily on application software to deliver their core functionalities. (Geeks for Geeks, 2023) Amazon is a good example of an e-commerce application that utilizes a database to maintain product inventories, customer information, and order histories. Understanding how to interact with databases through programming languages is crucial for developers, as it directly affects the app’s performance and the user’s experience.

Influence of Network Architecture and Security

Network architecture, security, and management play critical roles in the functionality of web and mobile apps. Applications depend on internet connectivity to communicate with servers that require efficient network paths and management of bandwidth. Each architecture type, network and internet architecture, is unique, with particular network security considerations, connectivity requirements, and service provisions. The significance of network architecture is twofold - ensuring efficient intra-network communication and fortifying against security threats. Network architecture is a fundamental component of any digital computer system. (Kentik,2024) Security measures such as HTTPS protocols, firewalls, and encryption are essential to protect data transmissions from cyber threats. As apps increasingly need user authentication and sensitive data handling, implementing a strong security protocol is critical for maintaining user trust and regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

To summarize, web and mobile applications and programming languages serve as the foundation of modern technology. By understanding their historical context along with their dependance on hardware, use of programming languages, roles in application software, and connections to database management and network and internet architecture and security, users and stakeholders can better appreciate the utility of these tools. As technology continues to advance, we continue to learn to understand how these fundamental concepts work together in a seamless computer system with web and mobile applications, and the insights gained from these topics provide a solid foundation for innovation and development in the field of information technology.

 

 

 

References

Dr369, (2024) History of the computer and its generations: How each stage transformed the digital world | ITD | History of the computer and its generations: How each stage transformed the digital world

Geeks for Geeks, (2023) What is Application Software? | What is Application Software? - GeeksforGeeks

Kirvan, P., (2025) What is a Supercomputer? |Tech Target | What is a Supercomputer? | Definition from TechTarget

Kentik, (2024) Network Architecture Explained: Understanding the Basics of Modern Networks | Kentipedia | Network Architecture Explained: Understanding the Basics of Modern Networks | Kentik

TestOut Corp. (2024). CertMaster Learn Tech+. http://www.testout.com