A mobile application is a type of application developed to run on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Mobile applications are designed to provide users with services similar to those available on a desktop or laptop, but typically with more limited functionality.

There are two broad app categories to start with: native applications and web applications. Native apps are built for a specific mobile operating system, typically Android or iOS. These apps are downloaded onto the mobile device, support complex functionality, deliver robust performance and can typically work offline. Also, native apps can interact with a devices operating system which gives access to the devices features like camera, microphone, and GPS. A web application is software that runs on a web browser with the appearance of a mobile app.  Unlike native applications, web apps can run on different browsers.