Web applications are powerful tools that help organizations make data-driven decisions. However, developing and deploying them often requires a diverse set of skills, from front-end development to backend architecture and machine learning integration. According to Kirsten Hoogenakker, Senior Solutions Engineer at Dataiku:
It's a lot. You've got all this complexity, and the good news is that Dataiku can help you wade through some of this.
During a 2024 Product Days session, Kirsten explored three different ways Dataiku simplifies web app development: business solutions, no-code web apps, and custom code-based applications.
3 Approaches to Building Web Apps in Dataiku
1. Pre-Built Business Solutions
For users looking for quick deployment without coding, Dataiku provides business solutions that come pre-packaged with interactive dashboards and web apps.
These solutions are customizable, allowing users to tweak HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python components to match their specific needs.
2. No-Code Web Apps
For those who want to build web apps without writing a single line of code, Dataiku offers visual web apps through plugins. A standout example is Dataiku Answers, a chatbot powered by generative AI that can be set up in under five minutes.
With a simple point-and-click interface, business users can configure the chatbot to retrieve and display information from internal knowledge banks, making it a valuable tool for HR, customer service, and other departments.
3. Custom Code-Based Applications
For developers who need full control over their applications, Dataiku supports Voila, Gradio, and Streamlit for creating highly customized, code-based web apps. Under the hood, Dataiku provides IDE support, allowing you to build web apps in VS Code, RStudio, and other environments.
Developers can leverage Python and other programming languages to build powerful applications while taking advantage of Dataiku’s backend infrastructure for deployment and scaling.
Deploying, Monitoring, and Scaling Web Apps
Deploying a web app is just the beginning. Kirsten emphasized the importance of monitoring and maintaining web apps post-launch.
One of the top challenges I’ve heard is around maintaining deployment once those products have been shipped.
Key Features for Deployment & Monitoring:
- Automated Load Balancing: Ensures web apps remain responsive under high usage
- Security & Compliance: Built-in access controls and monitoring tools keep data secure
- Version Control & Rollbacks: Enables quick debugging and redeployment of updates
- Automation & Alerting: Proactively detects and resolves issues before they impact users
The Dataiku Deployer provides a centralized hub for managing web apps, making it easy to track performance, monitor health metrics, and troubleshoot issues efficiently.
Why Use Dataiku for Web App Development?
Kirsten summed it up perfectly:
Whether you're using no-code business solutions, plug-in web apps, or fully coded applications, Dataiku helps streamline the entire process from development to deployment and monitoring.
With support for both technical and non-technical users, Dataiku makes it easier than ever to create, deploy, and scale web applications without unnecessary complexity.