What are progressive web apps?
You can define a progressive web app as an website that feels like a native mobile app. It feels like, but it isn’t a mobile app. The PWA aims to bring native-like experience to users of all platforms and all devices. At the same time, it allows users to skip app store browsing and installation. Technically this is just another tab in your browser, but it has quick access right from the home screen and smooth app-like interactions. And it can work without an internet connection!
Progressive Web Apps may the next big thing in the native app market. Sooner or later it is going to replace native apps completely, companies have already started to shift from the native apps. Traditionally we can see the shift in new technologies and how they have completely overtaken the older ones. One good feature of Progressive Web App is its offline feature, i.e. to use a PWA users don’t need to have any network connection. A PWA works smoothly even in a low network connection.
What are not progressive web apps?
The progressive web app should seamlessly work on any type of device, regardless of the operating system. This is why it is often confused with hybrid mobile apps based on Cordova, React Native, NativeScript, Electron, NW.js etc. In fact, these are two completely different things. Hybrid apps are executable files, that should be downloaded from the app store and installed locally on a particular smartphone. PWAs are not available neither in iTunes nor in Google Play Market or any other app store. They are accessible as a tab in your browser until you save them as a shortcut to your home screen.
Progressive Web Apps Features
PWA involves a set of technologies that run at the client side so irrespective of your backend language/framework you use, you can create a PWA, however, there are 2 things to keep in mind:
1. Your website should be HTTPS enabled
2. Your website should be responsive
Some of the common features of a Progressive Web App
- Offline Support
- Push Notifications
- No app store required
- Fast and efficient
Progressive web app structure
The PWA has a relatively simple structure. Consisting of the app shell and the changing content.
The app shell is the HTML, CSS and JavaScript code which builds the interface of the app. The interface is the static part of the app, it can dynamically display the content. The app shell is cached on the device of the user and can be loaded right away. The content is the dynamic part, it changes and is refreshed every time connection with the internet is established.
There is also another technology, that allows us to define a PWA as a PWA. Its name is the service worker. The service worker is a JavaScript file that runs in the background. It is responsible for the offline functionality of the progressive web app through timely content caching. Also important is the app manifest, which is a simple JSON file. It helps the device to recognize the PWA and defines how it should be displayed on the screen.
How to use Progressive Web Apps
Most startups tend to evolve their ideas into apps and websites to solve different user needs. It is very important for them to garner audience attention early on. You want to be able to focus on specific channels. Creating an amazing experience is important. Your viewers are your judges. They are your future and you need to deliver a first-class service to them at all costs.
You may wonder how you can possibly deliver the best experience at a reasonable cost? The answer can be simple in nature, in the form of – progressive web apps. As fancy as it sounds, progressive web apps (PWAs) are the future of both the web and apps. It combines the best of both worlds and gives you the ultimate experience of an app on the web. These apps load fast even on fragile networks and can send push notifications, provide a full-screen, app-like experience and can be iconized on your home screen.
PWAs are simple. It takes less time to develop, less time to deploy, and it’s less costly in terms of maintenance. It not only saves on financial investment, but it also saves crucial turnaround time, which is highly important in the success of a new business. The interesting thing about PWAs is that they are compatible with all platforms. You don’t have to worry if the user is an Android or iOS user. This platform independence frees you in reaching a large audience. Also, consumers can view your services from virtually anywhere.
With PWA, new opportunities also arise for alternative marketing efforts. It allows you to be creative with your consumer approach, unlocking new avenues for business growth. You can use push notifications to further enhance the experience. Progressive web apps can be a boost to e-commerce startups. The linkable feature of PWA has helped e-commerce websites with conversions. The offline feature, push notifications, quicker-loading pages and home screen icon have proved to be game-changing features.
PWAs can be considered the future. Now that you are aware of how PWAs can increase user engagement, sales and visibility, have you created a PWA for your business yet? If not, you may consider to use it. If you require help with development or unsure about how to go on your project. You can reach out to the professional team at the Devradius. Learn more by watching the following video: