Getting Started With PWAs (Progressive Web Apps)

The development of all mobile devices is moving at an incredible pace. Each of them now has access to the Internet and thus the possibility of downloading applications. Above all, this is why a new generation has emerged, namely the PWA (Progressive Web Application). 

In this article, we are going to learn about what is a PWA and why are Progressive Web Apps being developed and where are they being used?

What is a PWA (Progressive Web App)?

As already mentioned, these are progressive solutions that aim to maintain the greatest possible functionality regardless of the device’s operating system and the quality of the Internet connection.

The idea is to make these applications the best they can be, regardless of the device and the location from which you are connecting. When you access a PWA-enabled website, the content is saved in your device's memory, which makes the application work more efficiently and allows you to access the website without an internet connection (offline mode).

What are the main advantages of PWA applications?

After knowing what are progressive web apps, let’s get into the top gross benefits it serves. So, one of the first advantages is that they work in offline mode. This means that the content of a website can be successfully read even if there is no internet connection.

Thus, any journey by plane or train can be much more pleasant! Besides, web applications run very smoothly and are extremely easy to install. Thanks to dynamic access to databases, all operations are smooth and the user can enjoy all hardware capabilities.

This means that progressive solutions can use geolocation or access to a camera or camcorder.

Why does creating PWAs instead of native apps save time and money?

A native app is created for a particular platform. This means that one version of the application can only work on iOS or Android, and the program must be written in a dedicated language. Thus, if the project is to be available for as many users as possible, the software must be written in several variants. It is worth adding that the application will work only if it is connected to the Internet.

Here, PWA-type solutions have an advantage, because you only need one version that is compatible with each platform (aka Android PWA or PWA on iOS). In this way, you can save time and resources when creating the project.

In the case of Progressive Web App development, many users confuse progressive apps with native apps. Although they share some similarities, Progressive Web Apps features are the same as native apps to some extent such as responsiveness, location recognition, and push notifications, they are very different. It is worth noting that native models do not have, for example, the ability to link to other sites and very fast installation. However, the main difference is that native apps only work on one dedicated platform and not on all systems.

How do I install a PWA app on my phone?

It is not a very complicated operation. All you need to do is visit a site with a progressive app on your device. If it is installed on the site, you will be asked whether to add it to the home screen. Just click "YES" and after a few seconds, the application will be on your device’s desktop. As you can see, the whole operation is not very complicated and every owner of a mobile device can cope with it.

Wrapping up!

In conclusion, the introduction of Progressive Web Applications and solutions on the market has started a new fashion for their creation. In this way, on more and more sites you can get a message asking about adding an application icon to the home screen. As you can see, the demand for this type of program is considerable and users can enjoy a very functional product. There’s a  lot to see in the future of PWA.

If you have any questions or are looking for PWA development companies to develop a stunning progressive web app for your business, we’ve got your back. Check out this year’s exclusive MAD report featuring the top mobile app development companies in the world.

Written By

Arpit Business Development Head

He is responsible for marketing programs, brand management, and corporate sponsorships. He thrives on challenges, particularly those that expand the company’s reach. Next to work, Shadow, his dog, immensely contributes to his happiness.

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