Difference between App and Widget (2024)

The primary distinction between a widget and an app is that the formerrefers to a piece of software that is straightforward and simple to operate,and it can be integrated into a variety of software platforms, whereas thelatter refers to a self-contained, feature-rich software application that hasbeen developed exclusively for use on mobile devices.

Widgets are programmes that are pre-installed and run in the backgroundcontinuously. In order to give the home screen a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, certain applications use widgets rather than icons. In addition,widgets can link to various programmes.

On the other hand, an application (also known as an App) is a piece ofsoftware that can be downloaded onto mobile devices and used either onlineor offline. It is a piece of software that is designed to carry out a particularfunction. In addition, a vast majority of apps have been developed with mobile devices in mind.

Read through this article to find out more about Widgets and Apps and howthey are different from each other.

What is an App?

An application, more commonly abbreviated to "app," is a downloadablepiece of software that can operate both online and offline on personalcomputers and mobile devices such as phones, tablets, laptops, and the like.Applications can also be referred to by their more common abbreviation.

An application, or "app," is a shorthand term for a fully functional piece ofsoftware that gives you the ability to carry out particular functions. Desktopapplications are typically the name given to software programs that areintended for use on personal computers and laptops.

Applications that have been developed specifically for use on mobile devicesare referred to as mobile applications or mobile apps. When you tap on theicon, most of these applications are third-party software and will beginrunning. They are merely links to specific applications that will beginrunning when you tap on the icon.

Desktop apps and mobile apps are the two primary categories of softwareapplications. A "mobile app" is developed specifically to be run on smalldevices such as smartphones and tablets, whereas a "desktop app" is a fullfledgedsoftware programmer that runs stand-alone locally on a computer.Desktop apps can also be referred to as portable apps. Apps for mobiledevices are scaled-down versions of programs that can be accessed oncomputers and offer features that are comparable.

What is a Widget?

Mini programs that are customized to perform specific functions are knownas widgets. Widgets can function on mobile phones, tablets, laptops,desktops, etc. The majority of tasks can be simplified with the help ofwidgets, and some widgets are actually just extensions of existingapplications. They are frequently the app equivalent of a short cut.

Because they are always active on the devices, widgets do not go intohibernation mode. This is because the default setting makes them alwaysactive. Even when they are actively being used, widgets do not appear on thescreen. The information and data that may be useful frequently are shown onthe display. The most recent data stored in a widget will not be reloadeduntil the device in question has been powered down.

Most widgets are applications that come pre-installed on the devicesthemselves; however, some third-party widgets can be accessed throughapplications that were not pre-installed on the device. Users of the devicehave the ability to personalize widgets to meet their specific preferences andneeds.

Types of Widgets

Following are the different types of widgets that we get to see −

• GUI Widget − Widgets for the graphical user interface allow users to customize and alter the appearance of various software elements. Reusing graphical user interface (GUI) widgets is made easier with the help of a widget toolkit.

• Desktop Widget − Desktop widgets are a specific type of graphical user interface (GUI) widget that are designed to operate on the desktop of a computer. They allow users of the computer to control basic operations such as clocks, messaging services, calendars, calculators, dictionaries, maps, and photo viewers.

• Web Widget − A web widget is a portable application that allows third-party widget publishers to provide site users with shopping, ads, videos, or other simple capabilities.

• Mobile Widget − A mobile widget is comparable to a desktop widget, except that it is intended for use on mobile devices. They have the ability to save screen space and are helpful for apps that contain a lot of live data.

• TV Set Widget − The term "TV set widget" refers to a widget that can be used with televisions.

Comparison between App and Widget

The following table highlights the major differences between an App and a Widget −

Conclusion

Apps and widgets are essentially interchangeable terms for the same thing.They refer to a unique kind of program that serves a certain function in thesystem.

Apps are full-fledged software programs that are designed to runindependently of a device and are developed specifically for mobile deviceslike smartphones and tablets.

Widgets are similar to Apps in that they are both computer programs butunlike apps, widgets do not require the user to click on them in order for theprograms to start running. Apps are computer programs that must bedownloaded before they can be used.