What is Progressive Web App?

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a web application that can be installed on the device and accessed offline. 

It is a cross between a website and an app. PWAs are more like websites in the sense that they are not as complex as apps, but they have some of the same features of an app, such as being able to be opened from a bookmark or home screen.

PWAs combine the best features of the mobile app and the browser. They were first introduced by Google in 2015 when it announced its Chrome browser would support them. 

The idea is to offer users an experience that is similar to what they have with native mobile applications.

Benefits of using Progressive Web Apps over Native Apps

PWAs can be installed on a user's device, but doesn't need to be downloaded from an app store like iTunes or Google Play Store.

This means that PWAs are cheaper to produce, something many app developers don’t tell you.

PWAs also load as quickly as any other website, but with some added benefits like push notifications. They can also be used offline.

Businesses who decide to build an app don't always need a mobile app published on Google Play Store or iTunes. Sometimes, a well designed web app does the job for them PWAs allow a shorter time-to-market and still provides many of the benefits a business owner would normally get from a native app solution.
 
These benefits for the business are:

• convenience i.e. get stuff done whilst customers are on the go

• ease of use - mobile applications provide a smoother, more intuitive experience

• saves both the business and customers time and money

• the business also enjoys a faster response time from their customers who use the app

Having said that, businesses with a bigger budget will still benefit from a native app solution which provides all the benefits and features you would expect

Native apps are published in the app stores and as such, may be easier for customers to access rather than having to download a specific PWA URL.

Difference between Web Apps and Progressive Web Apps

A web app is a type of computer program that runs in a browser and can be used as an alternative to a desktop application.

Web apps are typically written in HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. They are hosted on the internet and can be accessed by any device with an internet connection.

Web apps have many benefits over their desktop counterparts. They are often faster, more secure, more accessible, and cheaper to develop than traditional applications.

PWAs share similar characteristics as the web apps.

The difference between a PWA and a web app is that the former can be added to the home screen of mobile devices and therefore looks exactly like a phone app, while the latter cannot.

Web apps also lack offline functionality, whereas PWAs can function offline as data can be stored locally on the phone

For more information on PWAs or Native App solutions, please get in touch or find out more about our Affordable Apps Offer.