Introduction
PWA apps look and feel like native mobile apps, built with web technologies. They allow websites to be stored on devices. The app shows up as an icon in the form of a website app. The basic methodology here is to combine native app experience with the browser feature.
PWA on a Real Device
A PWA is a website that can be downloaded onto the computer or mobile device. It actually pulls in updates in the background each time a user runs it. So, as and when a web application is updated, it not only gives the app site access to new features, but does so without explicitly performing any kind of update.
Key Features of PWA
Responsive
PWA apps are built responsive by nature; they’re designed to be adaptable to all types of devices with different screen sizes. So, the app will be used on many screen sizes and its contents will be available at all viewport sizes.
Installable
Installation of the PWA application is very easy. On a desktop computer or a mobile device, the app is added to the home screen although installation is not necessary. The service worker is set up behind the scenes, the first time a visitor sees the website.
Connectivity-Independent
Applications built with progressive web standards can operate offline and on low-quality networks. They also keep a user active in the app even when the user is not connected. The app stores items offline and manages network requests to get the items from the local cache, in a flexible manner, with the help of service workers.
Cross Platform & App-Like
A PWA is created to tie together the app and website user experience. Additionally, users can take advantage of these services without going into the app store. Heavy-lifting duties like downloading and data storage are not necessary for PWA installation.
PWAs work on all browsers and systems. Prior to installing them, users have to be able to use them in any browser.
Load Time & Secure
PWA apps have faster load time. In comparison to the conventional mobile web, the progressive web app reduces page load time by 88 percent, or about 400 milliseconds. Native apps require a lot of security measures, but PWAs are inherently secure because they run on HTTPS and are encrypted with an SSL certificate. This in turn, adds an extra layer of security.
Use Cases of PWA
- Better user experience
- Increased user engagement
- Increased security and ability to use offline
- Increased organic search traffic
- PWAs typically cost less to develop and maintain than native apps
Overall, a greater performance and a better consumer involvement leads to an increase in sales.
When Do We Require a PWA?
Usage of Application in Multi-Devices
Whenever there is a need to use applications on both mobile and desktop devices, progressive web apps is the way to go. PWAs are becoming increasingly popular because they are lightweight and load quickly.
Additionally, using PWAs, web apps can be viewed on mobile devices. By doing so, user gets a native mobile application feel and look along with a browser feature.
Speed and Reliability
If speed is the main concern, PWA is the answer because PWA is significantly faster than a native mobile application. According to statistics, PWA has a faster load time and a lower demand on devices.
In other words, when the app must be consistently high-quality and lightning-fast despite no network connection or limited bandwidth, a PWA is the best option.
Responsiveness
When the user plans to install or use applications across different devices, it is always better to use PWAs. They are responsive to most devices and make the UI appealing on any device.
Security
PWAs are secure by nature since the technology that powers the app requires it to be served over the HTTPS protocol in order to work. It is delivered through TLS, which provides major benefits for both users and developers.
Platform Independent
Whenever an application is built for cross-platform usage, with a single technology, PWA is the way to go! It is available on all platforms and simplifies the development process for developers.
Advantages of Using PWA
- Lightweight and Easy to install in devices
- Provides offline support
- Safe and Secure to use
- Faster than native mobile applications
- Helps to boost Search Engine Optimization
- Targets Cross platform
Disadvantages of PWA
- Cannot access the various device features
- Consumes more battery
- No access to app stores
- UI and UX Limitations
- If user does not use the app for a long time, the cache is deleted
- Push notification features are not possible in iOS devices
Conclusion
The importance of PWAs would definitely be felt to a large extent in the future. There are many PWA features currently under development and the PWA community is growing by the day.
One of the main reasons as to why users are more likely to choose PWAs over native apps is because PWAs encourage them to interact more. Further, the low costs and the ease of implementation play a huge role in influencing the spread of this technology.