Progressive Web Apps vs Native Apps

Mobile phones and applications have made everything possible these days. From ordering food to accessing government services, there's an app for everything. However, building and maintaining an app can be cumbersome and expensive for small businesses. That's where Progressive Web Apps come in.

Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) are apps built with web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They have the feel and functionality of an actual native app, but are built with the capabilities like push notifications and the ability to work offline. PWAs are also built on and enhanced with modern APIs which makes it easy to deliver improved capabilities along with reliability and the ability to install them on any device.

What is a Progressive Web App?

Progressive Web Applications are web applications that use modern web capabilities to deliver an app-like experience to users. They are built using standard web technologies and can be accessed from any device with a web browser, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. PWAs use a combination of technologies like Service Workers, Web App Manifest, and HTTPS to provide a reliable, fast, and engaging user experience.

Service Workers are the backbone of PWAs. They are scripts that run in the background, separate from the web page, and can intercept network requests, cache assets, and provide offline functionality. Web App Manifest is a JSON file that describes the app's metadata, like name, icons, and theme color. HTTPS is a security protocol that allows safe exchange of data between client and server so that it doesn't get tampered with.

Differences Between PWAs and Native Apps

There are several differences between PWAs and Native Apps:

• Development Cost: PWAs are cheaper to develop compared to Native Apps. With PWAs, you can have a single codebase for the different platforms, which is also time-saving.
• Discoverability: Native apps cannot be indexed by search engines, while PWAs work like websites and can be indexed by search engines.
• Safety: PWAs are more secure because they run on HTTPS, which is a security protocol that allows safe exchange of data between client and server so that it doesn't get tampered with.
• Installation and Download: Native apps need to be downloaded and installed from an app store, while PWAs don't require any of those steps. From the browser, you can bookmark it and add the app to your home screen with just a few taps.

Native apps are platform-specific, meaning that you need to build a separate app for each platform, like iOS and Android. This can be costly and time-consuming. PWAs, on the other hand, are built using standard web technologies and can be accessed from any device with a web browser. This means that you can have a single codebase for the different platforms, which is also time-saving.

Native apps cannot be indexed by search engines, while PWAs work like websites and can be indexed by search engines. This means that PWAs have a higher discoverability rate compared to native apps. PWAs are more secure because they run on HTTPS, which is a security protocol that allows safe exchange of data between client and server so that it doesn't get tampered with. Native apps, on the other hand, are more vulnerable to security threats.

Native apps need to be downloaded and installed from an app store, while PWAs don't require any of those steps. From the browser, you can bookmark it and add the app to your home screen with just a few taps. This makes it easier for users to access and use the app without having to go through the hassle of downloading and installing it.

Benefits of PWAs

There are several benefits of using PWAs:

• Fast and Responsive: PWAs are fast, lightweight, and responsive. They provide a seamless user experience, even on slow network connections.
• Functionality: PWAs function just like normal Native Apps. They have the ability to work offline, send push notifications, access device hardware, and more.
• Independent Updates: The updates are independent, you don't need to visit the play store for an update. PWAs use Service Workers to cache the app's assets, which means that the app can work offline and still receive updates in the background.
• Discoverability: PWAs are discoverable via search engine. This means that users can easily find and access the app without having to go through the app store.
• Easy Installation: PWAs are easily installable. From the browser, you can bookmark it and add the app to your home screen with just a few taps.
• Low Maintenance Cost: PWAs have low maintenance cost. Since they are built using web technologies, you don't need to hire a specialized team to maintain the app.

Overall, PWAs offer a lot of benefits over native apps, especially when it comes to cost and discoverability. They provide a comparable experience to native apps, with the added advantage of being able to work offline. With the latest technologies and the right tools, getting started with PWAs can ultimately increase sales and monetary gain for your product either as an individual or organization.

Requirements to Get Started with PWA Development

To get started with PWA development, you need:

• Tools: Tools like AngularJS, ReactJS, or Polymer can help you build PWAs.
• HTTPS Connection: A server with a HTTPS connection is required to host your PWA.
• Application Shell: An application shell is the user interface of your PWA. It should be designed to load quickly and provide a seamless user experience.
• Service Workers: Service Workers are scripts that run in the background and provide offline functionality, push notifications, and more.
• Manifest File: A manifest file is a JSON file that describes the app's metadata, like name, icons, and theme color.

With these requirements in place, you can start building your own PWA and take advantage of its many benefits.

Conclusion

Progressive Web Apps are the future of web development. They offer a lot of benefits over native apps, especially when it comes to cost and discoverability. They provide a comparable experience to native apps, with the added advantage of being able to work offline. With the latest technologies and the right tools, getting started with PWAs can ultimately increase sales and monetary gain for your product either as an individual or organization.

So, if you're looking to build an app, consider using Progressive Web Apps to take advantage of their many benefits.