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The transformation from desktop applications to web apps is gaining significance as companies increasingly prioritize broad accessibility and platform independence. Many desktop programs were developed using the Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) graphics framework for the Windows operating system. This article outlines an efficient method for migrating such applications.
Many organizations face the challenge of transforming desktop applications into web applications. Web applications offer numerous advantages that make migration attractive:
Platform independence: Web applications run in the browser of the respective system, regardless of the operating system.
No local installation required: A central setup can be performed, instead of installing on each device.
Centralized maintenance: Updates and maintenance are carried out centrally on a server, often using cloud services.
Immediate multiuser capability: Web applications allow multiple users to work simultaneously.
Automatic updates: Web applications can be updated automatically without user intervention, significantly reducing maintenance efforts.
Better integration: Web applications can be more easily integrated with other web services and APIs, enhancing functionality and user experience.
Higher security: Through centralized management and standardized security protocols, web applications are often better protected against threats.
Scalability: Web applications can be more easily scaled to handle increasing user numbers or data volumes.
There are various approaches for changing the technological base of software:
Redevelopment: This process is often time-consuming, costly and brings high risks. The associated costs usually exceed those of migration projects significantly.
Using standard software: This approach makes sense if business processes can be covered with minimal adjustments by standard software.
Software migration: This approach refers to the migration from an old to a new technological environment. Migration is more than a simple upgrade and involves a fundamental change in the software infrastructure. Strategic planning is essential for successful migration. In the best case, tools are available to support the process.
The technological basis of web applications differs from that of a desktop application:
Client-Side (Front-End)
HTML
Defines the structure of the web page, including elements like texts, images, links, forms
CSS
Styling and layout of the web page, determining the appearance of HTML elements.
JavaScript
Adds interactivity and dynamic behavior, enabling DOM manipulation.
Frameworks and Libraries
Structured approaches to development, facilitating the implementation of complex user interfaces.
Server-Side (Back-End)
Server Technologies
Processes requests, executes business logic, interacts with databases, sends responses back to the client.
Server Scripting Languages
Write server-side logic that generates dynamic content and processes requests.
Databases
Store and manage data, enabling the ability to get, insert, update and delete data.
APIs
Facilitate communication between software components and services, exchanging data between client and server.
Network and Security
HTTP/HTTPS
Protocols for communication between client and server.
SSL/TLS
Secure data transmission over the internet by encrypting communication.
Cookies and Sessions
Store and track user data, enabling consistent and personalized user experience.
Deployment and Hosting
Web Server
Hosts web content, processes requests.
Cloud Services
Provide scalable and flexible solutions for hosting and managing web applications, offering automatic scaling, backups, and integrated security features.
A common model is Single Page Applications (SPA), which ensures high responsiveness of applications through an intelligent concept of data exchange and view updates. Planning and selecting the right migration approach are very important for project success.