What is the difference between a website on a smart phone and the same company's app for a smartphone?

Since I am new to smart phones,I was just wondering, for example NPR, I can just go to their website, but they have an app. so i was wondering what the difference is?What is the difference between a website on a smart phone and the same company's app for a smartphone?
Just make sure to read the reviews before downloading.



Sometimes the "App" is basically a link to their website, so it is just a waste of space as you could just make a bookmark.



Also, sometimes they made the App just to have one. But they can be slow, lacking important features, outdated info, etc.



But, there are also some good ones out there! Where the App gives functionality that can not be done simply with a website. For example, the Walgreens app lets you take a picture of your prescription bottle to order the refill (a lot easier than calling or going in). So there are many Apps that are better than just the website.



So, like I said read the reviews (but use your judgement) and they'll generally tell you if an App is worth getting.What is the difference between a website on a smart phone and the same company's app for a smartphone?
it depends. Sometimes an app is just a bookmark using ur phones native browser and sometimes its a totally different and seperate thing, u wont know unless u download it i guess.