ArcGIS Online Vs. Custom Applications?

[JacobPierson]

Hey guys,

I'm relatively new to the world of Web GIS, so I apologize for my naivety.

When would it be beneficial to use ArcGIS Online? How about Custom mapping applications? I'm basically looking for la comparison between ArcGIS Online and Custom Mapping Applications; the pros and cons of each essentially. 

I'm aware that ArcGIS Online uses credits, so really I'm more interested in the functionality side of things. 

Thanks!

[MichaelVolz]

For simple applications AGOL is the way to go as you can configure these apps without any programming experience?  If you need any advanced functionality, then custom mapping applications that require some sort of programming would be the way to go.

[ChrisSmith7]

Is your main goal at this point just to learn? Do you have a background in GIS already?

[JacobPierson]

Chris,

Mostly just to learn.  Just trying to compare and contrast the two.

[ChrisSmith7]

When you say "custom mapping applications" - are you referring to the JSAPI?