Mobile applications are the go-to for performing any functions for users nowadays. This is because they’re flexible, swift, reliable, can operate offline, and are customizable according to one’s preferences. A mobile application’s user experience and convenience are unbeatable compared to experiences derived from browsing websites.
Several websites have been facing a decline in user visits due to their cumbersome nature and their inability to operate offline makes them unappealing to users. However, a new approach has been introduced where users can have similar experiences to what they encounter when using a mobile app. This approach is called Progressive Web Apps (PWA).
PWA is an amalgamation of the best functions of web development and mobile apps that render instant, definitive, affordable, and convenient user experience. PWA is taking the digital world by storm with its captivating user experience and more businesses are shifting towards this cutting-edge approach to garner more users.
We have assessed everything you need to learn about PWA including its characteristics, benefits, uses, process of building PWA, and how we utilize it to enhance user experience. Check out our blog to know more!
What Are Progressive Web Applications (PWA)?
Progressive Web Applications are applications that are established using programming languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. PWAs are inspired by the functionality of native apps and the technologies of web apps. PWAs perform exactly like a native app by allowing users to operate offline, and send push notifications, and are much faster and more user-friendly than traditional web apps.
In addition, PWAs can also be installed on your home screen without having to download them via app stores, unlike modern web apps.
Some renowned examples of PWAs are Ali Express, Spotify, Telegram, Twitter Lite, Trivago, BMW, etc. PWAs are akin to typical modern web apps and native apps which are also programmed using web technologies and languages.
How are PWAs different from modern web and native apps despite being developed similarly?
Modern web apps are traditional web applications where users can only read and carry out fundamental web functions. These traditional web apps are outdated and don’t possess the cutting-edge functionalities of PWAs.
Meanwhile, a native mobile app is an application that is built using specific programming languages for particular mobile platforms such as iOS or Android and it can only run and perform on mobile phones.
Ultimately, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are developed by implementing the best functions and performances of both traditional web and mobile apps. This was done to ensure users have a seamless experience when using PWAs without missing out on the convenience and flexibility of using mobile apps.
PWAs have caused a major shift in the way businesses and customers view web apps. With the launch of PWAs, customer and business relations have been enhanced leading to multiple companies, and brands managing to win back their customers.
The customers have felt that their pleas for user-friendly interfaces on web apps have been heard and the businesses have successfully retained customers with their deployment of state-of-the-art Progressive Web Apps making it a win-win scenario for both parties. Hence more companies and brands are taking it up a notch to build PWA for their businesses.
The Attributes of a Progressive Web App
Although the differences between PWAs, traditional web apps, and native apps are effortless to grasp, it’s still essential we delve into them so that our readers attain enlightenment on this subject.
The attributes of a Progressive Web App are crucial to learn especially if you’re designing a PWA for your business. Let’s take a look at the major attributes of a Progressive Web App (PWA) below.
Installable – One of my favorite attributes of a PWA is the fact that it doesn’t call for download via an app store. You can simply install a PWA by adding it to the home screen of your device.
App Appearance – This attribute ensures that a Progressive Web App has similar characteristics to that of a mobile app. The icon of a PWA should resemble a mobile app icon and include functions that make the users feel like using an app.
Responsive – PWAs are developed keeping in mind to fit and operate seamlessly in any device regardless of screen size, software version, mobile platform, etc. This is one of the many attributes that users adore about PWAs.
Discoverability – PWAs are applications that were once websites hence they have already been exposed to the web, making them effortless to discover on search engines.
Connectivity – Unlike traditional web apps, PWAs can be accessed without Internet access. They can even be used with a poor internet connection.
Secure – Progressive Web Apps are safe and secure to use since they are developed using HTTPS thus preventing snooping and prying.
Updated – As opposed to mobile apps, Progressive Web Apps are frequently updated due to the service worker update process.
Linkable – It’s not a bother to share URLs of Progressive Web Applications because they don’t call for intricate installation procedures.
User-friendly – PWAs are user-friendly with app-like features such as push notifications, offline accessibility, etc.
Benefits of Using PWAs for Businesses
Progressive Web Applications are undoubtedly the latest modifications in the digital era which many companies strive to acquire to enhance customer relations. Let’s check out the lucrative benefits Progressive Web Apps can bring to a business.
Best Performance – Compared to traditional web apps, PWAs are much faster and more efficient. Their swift action and performance are made possible through caching with the help of service workers. These service workers operate in the background to cache resources that enable the prompt loading of PWAs.
Cost-Effective – One of the reasons why businesses flock to PWA is its affordability. They’re much cheaper than developing mobile apps which necessitate intense planning and exorbitant budgets due to different mobile platforms. PWAs developed with one codebase can operate on a variety of devices.
Offline Accessibility – The caching strategies implemented by PWAs allow them to work on poor internet connections and even offline. This feature is mostly loved by customers who can use PWAs without connecting to the internet.
User Convenience – Progressive Web Apps possess features akin to native apps such as push notifications, the ability to add the app on the home screen, and whatnot. These features make the PWA easily handy to users which also keeps them up-to-date with the latest functions and notifications.
Jacked-up Security – PWAs utilize HTTPS which is a protocol that ensures the data transferred from the user to the device is well-protected and safe from potential security breaches and hackers. Any data transmission such as bank and personal details is kept safe from outsiders.
Adaptability – Progressive Web Apps can operate on any screen size and device irrespective of their platform and software version. They’re also instantly discoverable on any search engine, can be easily installed on the home screen of any device, and don’t require to be regularly updated, unlike native apps.
Tools Required For Building PWA
Building Progressive Web Apps calls for a couple of tools and technologies to provide users with web apps that are seamless and effortless to use. Here is a list of technologies that are required to build a PWA:
HTTPS – This is an encoded protocol that’s used to transfer information between a web browser and a website.
Any website with an HTTPS protocol is bound to be secure thus any data can be shared or transferred across the sites without users having to fret about confidentiality. A PWA with an HTTPS protocol ensures that the web app and all its information are safe and secure.
Service Workers – Service Workers is one of the essential components to build a PWA. They enable the web app to operate offline, perform background tasks, and caching. Service Workers also allow the web app to perform other functions such as badging icons, allowing push notifications, and intercepting network requests.
Application Shell Architecture – This is the initial feature users notice when they engage with a PWA. Application Shell Architecture is a design pattern programmed with HTML, JavaScript, and CSS which forms the fundamental structure of the web app. This allows the app to load faster and offers the users an app-like experience.
Web App Manifest Files – Manifest files are a JSON file that consists of data files regarding the appearance and functions of your PWA. Some of the data you can come across on these manifest files are app icons, descriptions, theme colors, etc. With the help of these manifest files, you can use captivating designs and themes to architect your PWA.
PWA Auditing – There has been a surge in tools that allow you to audit your PWA. Google Lighthouse is a popular open-source software that assists you in examining how your PWA is performing when it comes to SEO, swift action, etc.
Building A PWA
The steps to build a PWA are very straightforward and any app developer or web designer can pull this off effortlessly. We have elaborated on the distinct steps that are involved when developing a PWA and if you’re planning on establishing a PWA for your business, make sure to read further below and contact us.
Step 1: Planning & Analysis – It’s vital to contemplate your business objectives when building a PWA. This would allow you to decide what features you want to implement and research your customers’ demands. The initial planning stage also aids a business to come up with designs for the interface, which technologies to utilize, etc.
Step 2: Designing The PWA – This is the step where developers utilize web technologies and programming languages like Angular, React, HTML, JavaScript, etc to design the user interface. The developers must take into account multiple functions like responsiveness, accessibility via any device, and secure information and data transmission.
Step 3: Creating Web App Manifest Files – Web manifest files is a JSON file that consists of essential data about the PWA such as app name, description, icon, theme colors, and URL. These manifest files are the backbone of a PWA since they contain all the data regarding the web app structure.
Step 4: Adding Service Workers – Service workers are significant components of PWAs because they’re responsible for allowing offline functionality through caching and displaying push notifications. Generally, service workers are registered on Javascript files that facilitate a full-fledged efficient PWA.
Step 5: Implementing Push Notifications – With the help of service workers you can implement push notifications on your PWA. It’s also necessary to ensure that a user’s consent is obtained before push notifications are presented to users.
Step 6: Testing The PWA – This is the final and one of the most crucial steps of building a PWA. You can test your PWA using specific tools to ensure it works on all devices and browsers. This will help the business identify if the PWA is performing in a pristine condition and meets the company’s and user’s requirements.
Conclusion
Progressive Web Applications are certainly restructuring web development techniques with the advancement of web technologies. The evolution of PWA is becoming impressive progressively where characteristics of native apps have appeared prominently.
The optimized functionality, reliability, prompt, and convenient user experience make PWAs the ideal approach to enhance business and customer relations. Every business should leverage PWAs to retain customers, enhance customer relations, and increase sales revenue which consequently grants the business a competitive edge in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Progressive Web Apps
A Progressive Web App is designed using web technologies and languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS which is inspired by the functionality and user experience of a native app. It can operate on any platform and device with a single codebase and even without an internet connection.
There’s not much difference between a website and a Progressive Web App because PWAs are designed just like websites using web technologies like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. However, the features of a PWA are akin to native apps because they allow push notifications, can operate offline, and can even be installed on a device’s home screen.
There are multiple examples of PWA such as:
– Twitter Lite
– Trivago
– The Washington Post
– BMW
– Pinterest
– Spotify
– Telegram
– Ali Express
One of the impressive features of a Progressive Web App is that it doesn’t require a strong internet connection. PWAs can also operate without any internet connection due to their caching strategies that enable uninterrupted and swift services.
PWAs possess numerous benefits over native apps such as being affordable to develop. A PWA requires only a single codebase development which enables it to adapt to any device and platform, unlike native apps which require distinct codebases for different mobile platforms.
Do you need a progressive web app for your business then contact us…
