Progressive Web apps are built with web technologies and programming languages we all like and know about, like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They carry the characteristics and functionality of an actual native app.

A native app is a software-based application that is built with the help of a specific programming language for a specific purpose on either iOS or Android devices.

PWAs are somewhat similar but better options than native apps. Like Native apps, PWAs are built on a specific programming language using modern API to provide reliability and installability for every device they are designed for. Due to the advanced and modern technology we have nowadays, almost any website can be converted into a Progressive web app. So, Progressive web apps are quicker and easier to develop than native apps.

Due to so many conveniences, PWA has gained in popularity lately, may big companies sites are PWA -for example, Twitter, which is the most popular social media network among people who are interested in politics. Some other examples of widely used social media platforms are Starbucks, Spotify, and Pinterest, etc.

The user who installs apps tends to engage with them more. By making PWAs installable, they now possess the behavior of a native app. And even when a user is offline your app provides a consistent experience and keeps the users engaged. The web helps us discover sites and apps through search engines like Google. If you have a PWA, it helps drawing traffic to the app.

Benefits of PWA

They are so many benefits. Since PWA is installable, it carries an icon that makes them stand out and recognizable. PWA is browser-friendly and can work on any browser you have.

They work with almost every browser. They can work with multiple input devices. Users should be able to switch between different input devices while using the application.

Progressive Web Apps Could Be the Next Big Thing for the Mobile Web

A progressive web app takes advantage of the latest technology and combines the best of both worlds. Think of it as a web technology but in an app form. It has multiple added benefits mentioned below like greater interaction through pop-up notification and even working offline.

PWA takes advantage of a larger web orchestra plugin, community, and the relative ease of maintaining a website for those developers who develop on both mobile phones and the web. They will cherish that a website builds in lesser time and doesn’t need its API to be maintained.

Benefits of PWAs

Many companies and small businesses are rushing or approaching to build PWAs because they are relatively easier on pockets to make and also promises huge web traffic and interactions.

You can easily engage with users through pop-up notifications. Usually, a user finds the app first in an app store or play store, download it, and wait for it to install.

When they will be able to instantly use it without the unnecessary downloading process, and as the user returns to the app, they will find a prompt to download the application.

Here are some of the features progressive web app offers:

Progressive

By definition, a progressive web app must work on any device and enhance progressively. This way, users can benefit from its amazing features that available on any device or browser they are using.

Discoverable

As mentioned above, PWA is a website. It should easily be found or discoverable in search engines. This is a major advantage progressive apps possess over regular ones.

Linkable

The progressive web app has another characteristic as compared to other websites; a well-designed website should use a URL to further pinpoint the state of the app. This will enable the web app to retain and reload its state through a bookmark or shared link.

Responsive

A progressive web app‘s UI must fit in the device’s form.

App-like

A progressive app looks identically like a native app, with added benefits of it being a website and is built on the application model. It is also proficient in reliability and installability.

Connectivity-independent

It has the added connectivity benefit of being able to work offline or in an area with low connectivity.

Re-Engageable

Mobile users tend to reuse their applications, and progressive web app wants to achieve a similar goal by its incredible features, such as pop-up notification.

Installable

Also, the progressive web app can be download and installed on the home screen of any iOS or Android device you prefer, making it voluntarily available.

Final Words on Progressive Web Apps

The wonderful thing about progressive web apps is that even though all the browsers do not support their underlying technologies, you can already rule them out without any worries. This is because all the recent technology is progressive nature-wise. It means that the  customer who has support for them will get an enhanced experience.

Several companies like Alibaba and Starbucks have shown that just by simply focusing on their efforts on a progressive web app instead of having a native app separately, you can increase their conversions and average purchase over time.

Every small business should start with building a great web experience. You should also work on it and enhance it with Progressive web app technology. Your purchases and interactions will increase, and your customers will be happy.

Do you have any questions related to Progressive Web Apps? Do let me know in the comments below.