1.3.1 - Application Types | F160 | Cambridge Advanced National in Computing

Qualification:
Cambridge Advanced National in Computing (AAQ)

Unit:
F160: Fundamentals of Application Development

Certificate:
Computing: Application Development (H029 / H129)

1.3.1 - Application Types

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Application Types

There are several types of applications that can be developed, each with a different purpose and common characteristics. There are eight application types you need to know for the 'Fundamentals of Application Development' unit.

Communication

Purpose: Communication applications allow users to exchange information with others, most often in real-time. Data can be transferred in a range of formats including text, images and video.

Education

Purpose: To teach users about specific topics and help people learn new skills. This may be aimed at certain ages or user groups such as those learning a new language.

Characteristics of Communication Applications:

Has a simple user interface designed for quick and reliable data exchange.
Supports multiple formats (text, images, audio, video and files).
Requires a network connection to send and receive data.
Often has built-in security and privacy, such as end-to-end encryption.
May use presence awareness such as showing ‘typing…’ or ‘online now’.

Characteristics of Education Applications:

It may be structured around learning milestones or long-term goals.
Often interactive, such as quick quizzes or regular recaps of topics.
Could include different formats of learning (such as text, visuals or audio).
Usually tracks skills or scores over time to show progress in a user-friendly way.
Age-appropriate in content and design, possibly with difficulty levels.

Examples: WhatsApp, Messenger, Zoom, Slack, Gmail

Examples: Duolingo, Kahoot!, Quizlet, Memrise, Anki

Entertainment

Purpose: To provide enjoyment through formats such as video or audio, often with automatic suggestions based on previous interactions including watched videos, likes or comments.

Characteristics of Entertainment Applications:

Simple design to focus on keeping users engaged.
May include streamed media content or the option to download.
Designed for passive or relaxed use, e.g. watching or listening without interacting.
Uses algorithms for recommendations based on user preferences.
May include social features such as comments or sharing with friends.

Examples: Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, YouTube, Twitch

Games

Purpose: To offer interactive challenges in a fun and possibly competitive way. Games may be played together online or offline for a single-player experience.

Characteristics of Game Applications:

Based on clear rules and objectives with reward systems, e.g. achievements.
High interactivity and quick responsiveness to keep players engaged.
Requires graphical rendering, user inputs and sound design.
May support local multiplayer or online play with competition, like leaderboards.
Often has a range of difficulty levels to keep players challenged.

Examples: Minecraft, Fortnite, Among Us, EA Sports FC, Candy Crush

Lifestyle

Purpose: Supports a healthy and organised way of living. They often help people to manage their daily tasks and form positive personal routines.

Productivity

Purpose: To support users to complete tasks, manage their time or organise information in a helpful way, all to to maximise productivity.

Characteristics of Lifestyle Applications:

Often personalised to user preferences or personal data.
May use real-time inputs such as location or health data, like steps taken.
It may be integrated with smart wearable devices such as a smartwatch.
Designed to be used briefly but daily (e.g. checking steps or logging meals).
Encourages improved habits or healthier improvements.

Characteristics of Productivity Applications:

Has a focus on efficiency, reliability and easy usability.
Often allows collaboration and file sharing (e.g. working with colleagues).
Prioritises data organisation and quick access to relevant information.
Usually integrated with cloud services or other apps like calendars.
It may be designed for professional, personal or educational use.

Examples: MyFitness Pal, Noom, Headspace, FitBit, Couch to 5k

Examples: Microsoft Word, Calendar, Google Drive, Notion, Trello

Protection & Utility

Purpose: To secure the computer system against malicious threats and perform housekeeping tasks that maintain stability and a smooth performance.

Characteristics of Protection & Utility Applications:

Works in the background without frequent user interaction.
Often requires permissions to access sensitive data.
Needs to be updated frequently, e.g. adding new virus signatures to the database of an antivirus.
May be event-driven (e.g. alerts or automatic scans at regular intervals).
Should use low system resources if it needs to be running constantly.

Examples: Avast Antivirus, CCleaner, 1Password, Battery Saver, Microsoft Defender

Web Browsers

Purpose: Accesses, retrieves and displays web pages from web servers. It provides tools like bookmarks, tabs and history to help users easily navigate the internet.

Characteristics of Web Browser Applications:

Displays webpages that are built using HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Supports security protocols such as HTTPS, which uses encryption.
Enables customisation and user control, e.g. bookmarks, extensions and themes.
Contains an address bar to directly type in URLs or search terms.
Allows for multiple tabs to run concurrently.

Examples: Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera

CSNewbs

Qualification:
Cambridge Advanced National in Computing (AAQ)

Unit:
F160: Fundamentals of Application Development

Certificate:
Computing: Application Development (H029 / H129)