title: Java application vs web service vs web application
body: <p>I am developing a multi-platform (Android, iPhone, Windows and Blacbberry) mobile application. The application needs to communicate with our server for several tasks, such as retrieving buddy lists etc. The server interacts with data that is stored in a MySQL database. I intend to code the server element in Java, however I am confused by all the different types. So far, I think I have narrowed it down to three options:</p>
  
  <p>1) I code the application using Jetty to accept http posts. I post XML to the server, handle it, interact with the DB and post a XML response back. I would save the application as a jar and leave it running on my server.</p>
  
  <p>2)I develop a Java web service. REST/JSON/SOAP?</p>
  
  <p>3)I develop a Java web application.</p>
  
  <p>Whilst there are many questions already out there asking what the differences is, I am struggling to find a clear explanation as to what is the best approach in which situation. I have previously used the first approach but am assuming the second approach is the better option, I'm just not sure what the advantage is.</p>