What is PWA and how it changes the world of Web Applications?
What if we tell you that there's a hybrid of the web app and a website in a few clicks and it will work on your device no matter if you're on IoS or Android or whatever else. No, it's not a new series of the Silicon Valley, it's the PWA.
Progressive Web Apps or PWA are an emerging solution for businesses that takes advantage of the strengths of both regular websites and apps for mobile phones to create a better experience.
"PWA is the single biggest thing to happen on the mobile web since Steve introduced the iPhone!", - Henrik Joreteg
PWA was introduced in 2015 by Google, and by 2020 they are expected to replace 50% of consumer-facing apps (according to Gartner). This initiative has been enhanced through the Android operating system and the Chrome browser.
What is PWA?
Progressive Web Apps (PWA) combine everything great about a native mobile application with everything great about a mobile website. It can provide additional features based on what the device supports, push notifications, providing the offline capability, and almost native app look and speed, and local caching of resources.
It is the latest trend in mobile application development using web technologies. A Progressive Web App is a website that is developed with specific techniques that make the mobile experience much more pleasant than a standard mobile-optimized site.
It allows developers to deliver web-based applications that rival, or even out-perform the native apps user experience.
Some of the main features of PWA are:
- Offline support
- Fast loading
- Enhanced security
- Push notifications available
- Full-screen user experience without the URLs
How PWA works
PWAs allow users to install the website as an icon on the home screen of their phones based on how frequently they visit your website.
5 Unexpected Benefits of the Progressive Web App
Cost-effective
For an app publisher, the most significant advantage is the cost-saving in terms of app development and maintenance.
Cross-platform
Any specific platform does not limit PWA. That means you do not need to make separate versions of the app for Android and iOS.
Reliable
Instant loads and never show the down sour, even in uncertain network conditions. PWAs use less data than regular mobile apps, so they first took off in emerging markets that suffer from poor internet connectivity.
Fast
Quick responses to user interactions with smooth animations and scrolling.
User-friendly
Engaging and feel like a native app on the device, with an immersive user experience that allows them to earn a place on the user's home screen.
What Are the Key Challenges of PWA?
Just like anything new on the market, PWAs pose some challenges to be considered.
8 Core Concepts of PWA that Make them Unique
Conclusion
It would be unwise to say that PWAs will kill native apps in the future. However, interest in this technology is increasing. Although PWAs are still in their infancy, with a lot of challenges to be solved, they have the potential to create a shift in the way the web works.
