PROGRESSIVE WEB APP 

Written By: Hypen In Insights

PROGRESSIVE WEB APP 

 

Progressive Web Apps are web applications that have been designed to be capable, reliable, and installable. These three pillars transform them into an experience that feels like a platform-specific application. 

 

Capable 

In a PWA, developers can tap into other ecosystems, such as C, C++, and Rust, and bring decades of work and capabilities to the web. Until PWA, only platform-specific apps could really lay claim to these capabilities.  

Furthermore, new and upcoming APIs are looking to expanding what the web can do with features like file system access, media controls, app badging, and full clipboard support. All these capabilities are built with the web's secure, user-centric permission model. 

 

Reliable 

A reliable Progressive Web App feels fast and dependable regardless of the network. With load speed being critical to user experience, it’s clearer than ever that a longer load period will exponentially increase the probability of user bouncing.  

A PWA needs to be usable regardless of network connection. Users expect apps to start up on slow network connections or even when offline. 

 

Installable 

Installed Progressive Web Apps run in a standalone window instead of a browser tab. They're launchable from the home screen, dock, or taskbar. It's possible to search for them on a device and jump between them with the app switcher, making them feel like part of the device they're installed on. 

When a PWA moves out of a tab and into a standalone app window, it transforms how users think about it and interact with it. 

 

PWA vs native app 

Why progressive web app? 

• PWA is a great start if you want a simple app for your user. It requires no download and will let you interact with the user via push notifications. 
• PWA takes less time and money to develop and publish 
• PWA is similar to any website and reaches a wide audience, therefore improving brand awareness and SEO 

Why native app? 

• Native app will build credibility for your brand. Publishing the native application on app store will increase reliability and security 
• Native apps will utilize more advanced features of the user’s smartphone. It can take advantage of geofencing and other sensors to improve user experience  

 

Native app and PWA are two options to deliver a seamless experience for users with different strengths and weaknesses. Both are here to stay, and the choice between them should be made based on the goals and resources for your project. 

If you need support in deciding what’s the best option for your business, we’re a message away. 

#Insights