Progressive Web Apps, or PWAs, are the best way for developers to make their web applications load faster and be more productive. PWAs are websites that use modern web standards, allowing them to be installed on a user’s computer or device. They work like apps.
Before we move on, let’s quickly figure out what a PWA is.
A PWA is a web application that can be installed on your system. It works offline when there is no internet connection, making maximum use of the data cached during your last interaction with the application. If you visit the site from Chrome on your desktop and have the appropriate flags enabled, you will be prompted to install the application.
The term PWA, or Progressive Web App, comes from technical jargon, but in reality, it is the next step in user-friendly applications. Application developers should take a close look at them.
They combine the convenience and appearance of an app, while being as easy to develop as a regular website. These modern apps provide access to your content and a first-class service that makes users happier.
Progressive applications can be called adaptive websites because they adapt to the capabilities of the user’s browser. They can automatically improve the built-in features of the browser so that working with the website is similar to working with a native web application.
Basic components of a PWA:
- Web application manifest: for providing native features such as an application icon on the desktop;
- Service Workers technology: for background tasks and offline mode;
- Application shell architecture: for fast loading with Service Workers.
How do PWAs differ from native apps?
A native app is an independent program that lives on a smartphone. It works like any other program installed on a computer, such as Microsoft Word.
PWAs are websites that appear as mobile apps. They are like Google Docs because they have all the features of installed programs but run directly in the browser.
Let’s look at some of the differences between PWAs and native apps.
- Progressiveness
The best thing about PWAs is that they don’t have the limitations that traditional apps have. This means that PWAs can be as progressive as possible and will work on all possible operating systems. PWAs are capable of running in any browser. PWAs would not be called progressive if they were not able to adapt to the user environment.
The factor that significantly distinguishes PWAs from traditional applications is progressive enhancement. This ensures that they work in any currently existing browser.
- Adaptability
Nowadays, users access the internet from smartphones, tablets, desktop computers, laptops, and other devices.
When PWAs were introduced to the public, it was assumed that everyone who used them would do so from a desktop computer. Responsive design is a type of design where a website adapts to the size and parameters of the device on which it is opened.
Responsive design makes PWAs progressive and accessible on a large number of devices.
- Independence from internet connection
Everyone understands that we cannot access a website if the internet is down. However, many native applications allow you to continue working with them despite slow internet speeds or no internet connection at all. PWA allows users to interact with the application regardless of their internet connection. This is made possible by the application caching data in advance. Caching is performed using a technology known as Service Workers. It provides a software method for caching resources.
- Similarity to applications
Regardless of the fact that PWAs go beyond traditional applications, it is important to note that they still need to support an application-like structure. This is one of the biggest differences between PWAs and websites. There are many websites that consist of a few simple pages with static content, such as contact information, blog articles, and services offered. For such a website to be considered a PWA, it must contain interactive features that are triggered by the user. It can be added to the device’s desktop, and the user will be able to interact with the application as if it were native.