In a web application, both the application itself and the data that you save are stored on a server. This means that when you access the web app, you are essentially accessing it online, rather than having a local copy on your device.
When you use a web app, such as a social media platform, an online banking system, or a productivity tool, all the data you generate or input is sent to a server. This server is typically owned and maintained by the company or organization that developed the web app. The server acts as a central repository where all the data from various users is stored and managed.
The data is typically stored in a database on the server. A database is a structured collection of information that allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and manipulation of data. It can be thought of as a digital filing cabinet where data is organized and stored in a systematic manner.
The database server is responsible for managing and providing access to the data. It ensures that the data is stored securely and can be retrieved quickly when needed. The server may also perform various operations on the data, such as sorting, filtering, or aggregating, based on the requirements of the web app.
It is important to note that the data stored in a web app is not stored on the user’s device. Instead, the user interacts with the web app through a user interface, which is typically a web browser. The user interface allows the user to view, input, and manipulate the data stored on the server.
One advantage of storing data on a server is that it allows for centralized access and management. This means that users can access their data from any device with an internet connection, without needing to transfer or synchronize the data manually. For example, you can access your emails from different devices and always see the same set of emails because they are stored on the email server.
Additionally, storing data on a server provides a level of security. The company or organization that owns the server can implement various security measures, such as encryption, access controls, and regular backups, to protect the data from unauthorized access, loss, or corruption.
In my personal experience, I have used various web apps that store data on servers. One example is a project management tool that I use for work. All the tasks, deadlines, and project-related information are stored on the server, allowing my team and me to access and collaborate on the same set of data from different locations. This centralized storage and access have greatly improved our efficiency and coordination.
To summarize, data in a web app is stored on a server in a structured manner using a database. This allows for centralized access, management, and security of the data. Users interact with the web app through a user interface, such as a web browser, to view, input, and manipulate the data stored on the server.