Progressive web applications are a better alternative to native apps. Native apps are difficult to maintain and the cost of resources required to update a native application is much higher. In addition, the time it takes for the platform to approve a native application or the updates to a native application is much greater and can often turn into a waiting game.
To overcome such challenges PWA, or better known as progressive web applications were introduced. PWAs are the combination, a hybrid, of both web and native applications.
Starting with the most basic definition of a progressive web app, which is:
“An application delivered via the web, built using the most common technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Intended to run all such platforms that utilize standard-compliant browsers, including both mobile devices and desktops”
A PWA consists of three major building blocks, which are:
- An Application Shell:
It uses languages that can be cached offline, languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. - Service Workers:
Meat to handle functionalities, these are the background JavaScript files. These files handle functionalities such as push notifications and allow offline usage on modular basis. - An Application Manifest:
The manifest makes it possible for the application to be installed via any browser. The installed app is pined on the device’s home screen.
With the growing user base of mobile devices, it was evident that native applications would not be able to keep up. It costs more and requires a lot of time to develop and update native applications. An alternative was required to keep up with the demand and the increasing need for fast performing applications.
Progressive web applications were the solution. Even Google now has many of its applications also as PWAs including Google Maps.
There are countless features of a web application, but here in the scope of this article they are categorized into 4 groups:
- Accessibility:
PWAs are independent of any app store and thus more accessible to all devices with standard-compliant browsers. - Autonomous Functionality:
PWAs can work and handle their functionalities even when the device is offline thus making its functionality more autonomous. - SEO Optimization:
Since PWAs are web-based, they are hosted online and are indexed by all search engines crawlers, PWAs have a better SEO optimization capability as a result. - Cost-Effective and Rapid Development:
PWAs are simply cheaper, easier, and faster to develop.
Are Progressive Web Apps the future? Yes, yes they are. They provide a more personalized experience and offer the best performance in nearly every scenario.
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