We explain that what is the difference between apps and widgets? in detail with definition and comparison table. Every mobile phone, tablet, laptop, and desktop computer comes loaded with many features, applications, and widgets, and each has a different purpose and task to perform. These characteristics of an electronic device make it work and function efficiently.
The most important part of a device is its applications. An application is software designed for electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, iPad, laptops, desktops, etc. These are based on programming and are made to perform specific tasks. An application can be designed for a single task or for multiple tasks.
A widget is a short program designed for different types of electronic devices, these are programmed to perform specific tasks or facilitate tasks. A widget can be a program itself or an extension of an application.
The difference between apps and widgets is that apps are complete programs designed for multiple purposes, it can be a single program or a collection of several programs and they start working when a person opens them by tapping the app icon, while widgets are small or standalone applications. mini programs designed to perform individual tasks, widgets can also be an extension of an application to facilitate tasks.
Comparison table between apps and widgets
Comparison App Widgets Parameter
| Basic function | Applications are programs that run on a mobile phone or desktop computer, designed specifically for a particular task or for a specific purpose. | Widgets are small applications that are designed to perform a particular function on the go. These are designed to make commonly used functions practical. |
| How to get started on | To start a task in an application, one has to click on the application icon and when the application opens, they can start working. | Widgets are applications that are active by default on a mobile phone. |
| Hibernation | Applications go into hibernation mode when someone exits the running window. | Widgets are always active in the background and do not go into hibernation. |
| Visibility | Applications are visible to a person as icons, and if someone exits the application, they can still see the application running in the currently running applications window. | Widgets are invisible because they are always active. |
| How to get them on a mobile phone | To use an application, you have to download it from a game store or any other application store. | Widgets are generally built into mobile phones or other devices. |
What are the applications?
The application, generally abbreviated as application, are comprehensive programs designed to perform various tasks. An application is designed in such a way that it can run on different devices such as mobiles, desktop computers, laptops, etc.
To get an app, you have to download it from the app store. Today, many applications come integrated with the devices and many applications are available for free in the application store. An application is launched when a person clicks the application icon, after clicking the icon, the application launch window appears. When a person exits the application, they go into hibernation mode. While in hibernation, the application is visible in the currently running applications window. When the device comes out of hibernation, the data is reloaded.
The apps were initially made for simple tasks like email, contacts, calendars, etc. but due to demand, many applications were created and given extensions. Some applications are free, while others are not, there is a minimum amount to pay to use them. With devices being updated, apps also need an update from time to time.
What are widgets?
Widgets are mini programs that are made for particular tasks. The widgets can work on mobile phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, etc. Widgets are primarily designed to make tasks easier, some widgets are application extensions. Sometimes they are the shortcut for applications.
Widgets are always active by default on devices and because they are always active they do not go into hibernation mode. Widgets, even when active, are not visible on the screen. Displays information and data that may be of frequent use. The current data for a widget is not reloaded until the device is turned off.
Widgets are primarily applications built into devices; however, some third-party applications provide access to other widgets that are not integrated. Device users can customize the widgets based on their choices and requirements.
Key differences between Apps and widgets
- Applications are programs designed for a specific purpose and perform a particular task, while widgets are small applications designed to make tasks easier.
- To start an application, it is necessary to click on the application icon and the application window appears and the person can perform the desired task, that is, the applications must be clicked to open them, while the widgets always follow running in the background.
- When a person exits the application window, the application goes into international mode, whereas widgets do not go into hibernate mode because they are always active.
- When you open the application after hibernation, the information is reloaded while the information in a widget is not updated or reloaded.
- If the application is in hibernate mode, you can see that it is running in the running applications window while the widgets do not appear in any window, that is, they are invisible.
- To work in any application, you have to download it from the application store, while widgets are the built-in function of the mobile phone or desktop.
- Applications have their own widget for practical purposes, while widgets do not necessarily have their own applications.
- Applications can have multiple purposes to serve or multiple tasks to perform, whereas widgets generally have only one task to perform.
Final Thought
People often confuse the two with each other, however an app and a widget are both designed for some particular tasks. Applications are complete programs, while widgets are application extensions. Both are specific task programs. However, they are different from each other.
