Progressive Web Applications: An Overview

Progressive web apps are standalone applications that can be installed using offline cache. They can be installed on all the devices on a single codebase providing you native like experience. Introduced in 2016, they were built as an alternative to device-specific applications but now can be used on a range of different systems, including desktop and mobile devices. The main goal of developing a Progressive web application is to help developers create cross-platform apps more easily than they would with native apps and eliminate slow network issues or lack of connectivity. They are built on languages like HTML, Javascript and CSS which combine the technologies of a normal app with that of the web application. Progressive Web Apps were originally proposed by Google in 2015 with an aim to create more user experience and ease of development for mobile and web. We will discuss more examples further but think of a website you are planning to visit and when you open the same website you feel like you are using a desktop Application. The first thing that comes to your mind is GMAIL which is one of the best examples of Progressive Web application where you can select emails, mark as read, delete marks, label them and attach a signature which cannot be done without the use of PWA technology.

Progressive Web App works on two fundamental components – Web Manifest and Service Worker. The web manifest is a JSON file that defines the look and feel of the PWA once it has been successfully installed. It contains anything associated with appearance, such as home screen icons, colors, names, etc. In general, the web manifest carries metadata such as the app’s name, version, description, theme colors, and screen orientation. A web manifest is required for developing a native-like app experience. A service worker is JavaScript code that executes in the background of a PWA. Their major job is to pre-cache resources, allowing the web app to load quickly and even work offline. After visiting the website once, the service worker saves (or caches) key assets such as HTML files and photos. Other duties that service workers can perform include push notifications and data syncs in the background.

Benefits of Progressive Web Application

Cost Effectiveness – PWA is developed through a cross platform development technology that does not require a separate codebase for each platform such as Android or iOS. Also Progressive Apps uses standard technologies like CSS, HTML, Javascript which are familiar to all front end developers so there is no need to hire a separate web developer for PWA.

User Experience – Progressive Web applications are compatible with all of the devices like phones, tablets or desktop. These apps offer smooth navigation and save cache to load instantly even on slower networks. They also enable push notifications, keeping you engaged by delivering timely updates, offers that enhances user experience.

More conversions – This happens generally in the eCommerce Industry, PWA leads to more customer engagement as customers can continue shopping even when there is no network. When a customer is heavily equipped with a variety of options like push notifications and location tracking the customer engages more and in turn, this leads to more conversions.

Offline Availability – PWA caches essential data on the user’s device enabling users to access the app’s core functions even when the app is offline. This also reduces data usage and enhances conversions as users are not disturbed by the connectivity issue. For example, if the Hotel Booking app is a PWA it may not require an internet connection to check-in their hotel in the remote locations.

Reliable – Progressive Web Apps works with strict security standards protecting against unauthorized access and data breaches. This level of security is critical for various industries like Banking and Finance where the login credentials and privacy should be maintained, eCommerce where the privacy in buying items should be again kept secret. This security and reliability increase user confidence and brand loyalty.

No Installation – We do not require to download an app from the app store saving users time and space. The progressive Web App is directly available on the website of the company for example Screaming frog – A free SEO tool that we need to download directly from their website creating fewer drop-offs and higher user engagement rates. The no-installation alternative additionally boosts accessibility, reaching a wider audience, including those with older or less expensive devices.

Easy Updates – No manual update is needed to update the app. PWA automatically updates the app in the background ensuring users are always on the latest version. This automatic update method provides a more consistent experience, as customers get new features, bug fixes, and security updates right away. This becomes more easy for developers as they can update the app more frequently by receiving any feedback from customers or users.

Best Framework for Progressive Web Apps

1. React

• Virtual DOM for efficient updates to the actual DOM

• Built-in support for offline functionality or where there is no internet connectivity

• Can develop both Single Page and Multiple pages web apps

• React provides reusable and modular components also promoting uniformity and efficiency throughout your application.

• Scalable and offers more flexibility

• The same code can be used for both web and native app

2. Angular JS

• Compatible with other frameworks

• Multifaceted infrastructure that is beneficial for large-size projects

• AngularJS provides fast tooling, progressive improvement, TypeScript support, and a UI component library, allowing you to smoothly construct a sophisticated online app.

• The framework is easy to implement also the web apps load quickly and are more responsive.

• SEO friendly framework

3. Vue JS

• Uses similar technology like React where it uses virtual DOM

• Simple coding infrastructure

• Can be merged with Typescript and JSX to generate the best output

• Has open source PWA framework for building high quality applications

• Enables smooth UX and faster application rendering

• Offers easy integration capabilities with existing projects through third-party extensions

4. Polymer

• Open Source Platform built by Google

• More variety of web components, templates, and development tools.

• There is no requirement for distinct debugging tools

• Extensive documentation

• Complete web app stack support, comprising routing, responsive, and data tier layouts

• Offers a customizable web app stack support

• Low SEO friendliness

5. PWA Builder

• Developed by Microsoft with an aim to promote high-speed Progressive Web Applications

• It supports both Android and iOS application development

• Well documented & easy to use development process

• Budget friendly

• Best preferrable for small and mid-sized Applications.

• PWA Builder automates the development process

6. Ionic

• Ionic is a web framework for both hybrid web and mobile applications built with CSS, JavaScript, and HTML.

• Open-source framework which has its foundation on Apache Cordova and Angular.

• Library elements for both iOS and Android platforms

• Offers Web view technology for having a glance at native applications

• It offers a highly adaptable technology stack that allows for the use of complex frameworks such as Angular, Vue.js, and React to construct apps.

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