Difference between Custom and console App

Difference between Custom and console

A custom application is a collection of tabs, objects etc that function together to solve a particular problem. 

A console application uses a specific Salesforce UI - the console. Console applications are intended to enhance productivity by allowing everything to be done from a single, tabbed, screen.

Custom applications are easier to build, as console development over and above simple configuration requires Visualforce, Apex and sometimes javascript skills.

Salesforce Console :

1. A Salesforce console is designed to boost productivity for users in fast-paced environment. The console’s dashboard-like interface improves on the Agent Console by eliminating time-consuming clicking and scrolling so you can quickly find, update, and create records. 
2. The Salesforce console streamlines access to the data and features you need most. For example, service agents can use multiple applications at once and preserve the context of cases as priorities change. Inside sales reps can easily contact leads, assess companies, identify key contacts, and access sales intelligence. 
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Salesforce APP : 

1. An App is a group of tabs that works as a unit to provide application functionality. Salesforce provides standard apps such as Sales and Call Center. You can customize the standard apps to match the way you work. 
2. You can also build your own on-demand apps by grouping standard and custom tabs into new custom apps. A custom app consists of a label, a description, and an ordered list of tabs. You can also set custom logos for your custom apps. With custom apps, you can extend the kinds of information that you manage and share online beyond CRM. Custom apps are part of the Force.com platform that allows you to create and share custom applications with other Salesforce users. 
3. More : http://goo.gl/65b69S

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Console App look like

(1) Select objects and records from the navigation tab. 

(2) Records display in a list, which you can pin at the left of the top of the screen. 

(3) Selected records appear as primary tabs, and tabs let you work on several items at once. 

(4) A highlights panel shows key information related to records. 

(5) Records related items appear as subtabs, and subtabs let you quickly switch between related information without loosing context. 

(6) View and interact with content in the detail area. 

Administrators can customize a console to specify everything from the objects in the navigation tab, to whether or not users can place and receive phone calls with a SoftPhone. Additional customizations can include displaying relevant knowledge base articles alongside cases, creating custom actions with keyboard shortcuts, or chatting with customers in real time over the Web with Live Agent (Service Cloud only). Advanced administrators and developers can solve more unique business problems with custom console components, and use code with an API named the Salesforce Console Integration Toolkit, to add third-party integrations or expand console customizations to new levels.