Is my project a web site or a mobile app?
- by Evik James
I am a web developer. I have been developing web sites professionally for 15+ years using ColdFusion, SQL Server, and jQuery.
I am doing a project for a client that uses the above technologies. The site has a mobile facet too. For that, I am using jQuery Mobile. The site enables retail store personnel to gather a store customer's preferences using any smart phone or tablet. The store personnel just needs to access a special link via a QR code and a login. Anyone can easily access the site from a PC's browser, too.
Some sources suggest that mobile apps must be downloaded and installed using a third party, such as from Google, Amazon, or Apple. Others sources suggest that any information designed for use on mobile device is a mobile app.
Regarding the site that is specifically designed for use by mobile devices that extensively uses jQuery Mobile, is this a "web site" or a "mobile app"? What is the "proper" description for this type of site?
My customer insists that it is one and not the other. I insist that it is the other and not the one.
Can you help me clarify this?