How to Develop Scalable Web Applications for Modern Enterprises

Introduction

Introduction

In the fast-developing digital world, scalable web applications are a necessity. Imagine a retail company preparing for a large online sale, and if its web application isn’t scalable, it might crash when thousands of customers flood the site at once. Hence, this blog explores what scalable web applications are, why they matter, and best practices for developing them, with real-life examples to illustrate key points.

What Are Scalable Web Applications?

Scalability is crucial to handle large amounts of work, i.e., more users, more transactions, or large data sets, without compromising performance while building a scalable web application for a business. Hence, Scalable Web Applications refer to the software that helps enterprises scale their business by providing a versatile solution for all their customer demands and assisting them to grow & compete in the digital market with the most advanced tech. For example, Airbnb, on its initial launch, operated on a small scale. But, as their user base expanded, their application seamlessly adapted to handle millions of users looking for accommodations around the globe.

Types of Scalability 

1. Horizontal Scalability (Scaling Out)

Horizontal scalability is just like adding more registers at a busy store to help serve customers faster, i.e., it refers to the addition of more machines to share the load. For instance, companies like Amazon on Big Billion Days Sale expand their server capacity to handle huge traffic of customers by using multiple servers to ensure that their website remains responsive and stable, even under extreme pressure.

2. Vertical Scalability (Scaling Up)

Vertical scalability refers to upgrading the existing server with more RAM or an advanced/faster processor, but it has its limitations with offering a quick boost. Here Scaling Up helps in Temporary Boost which doesn’t help with the permanent stability of the software. For example, if Netflix needs more power to handle streaming, they can add more resources to an existing server, but it might affect their performance in the long run and ultimately switch to improve horizontal scaling for stability.

Why is scalability important?

Scalability is an extensive and highly demanded feature that helps in the digital growth of enterprises without affecting overall performance. Just like the COVID era led to a huge switch to online services, those with scalable applications could not just adapt quickly and make profits while others struggled with survival and huge losses.

Key Features of Scalable Web Applications

1. Load Balancing

This refers to equal distribution of labor leading to stability in an interface. Just like a traffic cop helps to prevent huge traffic jams at an intersection. Similarly, companies like Google use load balancing to ensure their platform services remain efficient, available, and fast.

2. Modular Architecture

This refers to breaking huge goals into simple and smaller tasks step by step. For example, Spotify’s microservices are divided into different functionalities like playlists, recommendations, and user profiles, allowing them to scale each component individually, leading to a great audio-screaming platform.

3. Caching Mechanism

This mechanism helps in the storage of frequently used data. Just like Facebook’s cache ensures to load the feed quickly instead of fetching entire data from scratch every time.

4. Microservices

This architecture refers to individual scaling in a big application. For example, on Netflix, when a popular show like “Stranger Things” gains viewers, it can independently scale its recommendation engine and streaming services for that show without affecting other parts of the platform under huge traffic.

Why do enterprises need scalable web applications?

For enterprises, scalability isn’t just about handling growth; it’s about survival. Imagine a 10-minute food delivery startup like Swish gets launched in a new city and experiences a huge influx of orders; their application must scale to serve heavy demands, failing which would lead to huge losses in both the name and fame of the entire brand.

Benefits of Scalable Web Applications

1. Cost Efficiency 

Reduction in constant hardware upgrades. For instance, startups that leverage cloud solutions like AWS can scale resources up or down, paying only for what they use.

2. Enhanced User Experience 

Improved consistency during high-traffic periods builds user's trust. A good example is Slack, which can handle sudden spikes in messaging without crashing, providing users with a smooth experience.

3. Future-Proofing

Adapting to market trends is a crucial perk of scalability in enterprises, i.e., it helps companies integrate new features into their applications without affecting their overall performance. 

Challenges in Application Scalability

While exploring the other side of the coin, scalability comes with some complex challenges that require skilled-based solutions. So, here is a list of challenges:

• Challenge 1: Handling a growing user database, i.e., applications struggle with high user traffic leading to bad performance.
• Challenge 2: Optimising Performance during High Customer Traffic, i.e., Slow load time leads to a bad user experience.
• Challenge 3: Protection from various security threats, i.e., cybersecurity plays a crucial role in scaling any web application.
• Challenge 4: Provide a smooth interface to users, i.e., user engagement depends on the user-friendly interface of the website.
• Challenge 5: Keeping Cross-Platform Compatibility in check, i.e., Web applications should be adaptable and reliable with various devices. 

Best Practices to Build Scalable Web Applications

1. Design for Scalability from the Start

Adapting scalability into the initial design phase, i.e., starting from the start. Companies like Etsy started with a scalable architecture, which helped them grow the marketplace right from the beginning.

2. Implementing cloud services

Dynamic resource allocation is a perk of cloud computing. As for automatically scaling of services, companies like Netflix use AWS based on viewer demand, ensuring uninterrupted streaming during peak times.

3. Using Microservices Architecture

Independent scaling of any feature helps build a reliable user platform. For instance, if Instagram needs to enhance its feed’s functionality, it can do so without affecting other services.

4. Optimising Database Performance

Database sharding is a technique that can improve scalability, i.e., the sharding feature helps companies like Airbnb to ensure that their database can handle high traffic efficiently.

5. Monitor and analyze performance

Monitoring is crucial to identify bottlenecks early in the process. Tools like New Relic allow enterprises to gain insights into their application performance and make necessary adjustments.

6. Employ automation

Automation minimizes human error. For instance, companies like GitHub utilize automation tools for seamless application management.

Conclusion

Developing scalable web applications is essential for enterprises aiming to thrive in an ever-evolving digital market. By understanding the types of scalability, recognizing their importance, and implementing best practices, enterprises can create robust applications, i.e., embracing scalability, which not only enhances performance and user satisfaction but also positions enterprises for sustained growth and success.

At Trawlii, we provide consultations, and software solutions for - web, mobile, and cloud which cater to streamlining business operations to improve scalability by implementing best practices, as a scalable web application is a business asset.

Read Also:

• Streamlining Business Operations with Enterprise Software Solutions
• Choosing the Right Cloud Solutions for Your Business
• Benefits Of Web Application for Business

References : 

• Best Practices to Develop Scalable Web Applications
  https://www.ramotion.com/blog-scalable-web-applications/
• Scalable Web Applications: From Basics to Best Practices 
  https://medium.com/theymake-design/scalable-web-applications-be3231ef47e8