A hosted web application centralizes deployment, data services, authentication, and updates on managed servers. Users can access it from several devices without installing the full application locally.
Hosting introduces ongoing infrastructure, security, privacy, availability, and cost responsibilities. It may be unnecessary for a single-device workflow that does not need sharing or remote access.
ELI5
A hosted web application runs on remote servers and opens in a browser. The provider updates one central service, and users can reach it from different devices with an internet connection.
For example, a private dashboard can be hosted so its owner uses it from home and work. That convenience also requires account security, server maintenance, backups, and careful handling of uploaded data.
