Supportsoft Glossary

WebView Components Embedding Web Content in Apps

A WebView is a mobile or desktop application component that is placed inside the app and gives developers an option to show web content within the app instead of the browser being launched. The WebView, rather than the app and a web page switch, brings HTML, CSS, and JavaScript right into the app's environment. This method is very often used in hybrid apps where web technologies are used to build parts of the interface, but the app still has a native feel.

WebView is a tool for developers that allows them to add help pages, dashboards, login portals, or payment screens. The mobile operating systems Android and iOS have their own implementations, which are Android's WebView and Apple's WKWebView—both provide features such as JavaScript execution, navigation controls, and communication between the app and the embedded content.

Despite their helpfulness, WebViews should be taken into consideration before being deployed. The performance may differ according to how complicated the content is, and if WebView components are not updated; they can pose a security risk. The developers usually weigh the speed of web development against the performance of native features to decide what can go into the WebView.

WebViews, when done right, give the developers flexibility, eliminate duplicated work, and become a consistent content cross-platform delivery.