For many people, an app and an app are the same thing, but there are certain differences between the two. The applications run on a desktop computer and cannot be run on a mobile platform; while an app can run on mobile phones. It can also run on desktop computers, but it is specifically designed for mobiles and tablets. There are certain features that differentiate an app from an app. They are the following:

Design:

Applications are large in memory and are capable of handling large amounts of data. They are capable of doing many tasks. Whereas apps have less memory and can only handle a moderate amount of data. An application is designed to perform only one specific task. Some examples of apps are Open Office, Photoshop, Quick Office browsers and apps, WhatsApp, Angry Birds.

Platforms:

The apps are designed to work on heavy operating systems like Windows XP/Vista/7, Apple OS (OS X) and Ubuntu, that is, they can only work on desktop operating systems. On the other hand, the apps are specifically designed to operate on lightweight mobile operating systems like Android, iOS, and Windows Phone OS.

Applications can run not only on mobile and tablet devices, but also on desktop computers as long as, of course, the operating system of the desktop computer supports those applications. Apps can only run on desktop and laptop computers, but not on mobiles and tablets.

functionality:

The applications will have full functionality and can be used to perform a wide range of tasks. For example, if we take the Firefox browser app, it is capable of performing different tasks like opening websites, playing videos on websites, displaying maps, and actions.

Apps, on the other hand, have limited functionality and can only perform a single task for which they were designed. Different apps are designed to perform different individual tasks like playing YouTube videos, displaying stock maps. For example, WhatsApp can be used only for the messaging for which it is designed.

Cost:

Apps are priced much higher compared to Apps because Apps are sophisticated and can perform a wide range of intensive tasks. Whereas the apps will not cost much as they are very basic in design and designed to perform specific simple tasks. Many apps are available at no cost.

Availability:

Major IT companies such as Windows, Apple, Adobe and others provide the applications. Applications like Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop are used for multitasking and cost more. The applications are available for mobiles in different stores such as Apple app store, Google Play (Android), Windows phone store and BlackBerry app world, all these stores can be accessed directly from the mobile.