Table of Contents
What is a PWA?
PWA – Progressive Web App is a web app designed to look and behave like native apps, works offline first, and optimizes for various viewports ranging from mobile devices and tablets to FHD desktop monitors and more. PWAs are built using front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and provide a native-like user experience to the web platform. PWAs can also install on devices, just like native apps.
For an app to classify as a PWA, it must check all of these boxes:
PWAs must implement service workers. Service technicians act as a proxy between web browsers and API servers. It allows web applications to manage and cache network assets and requests.
PWAs must serve over a secure network, i.e., the application must help over HTTPS
PWAs must have a manifest web definition, which is a JSON file that provides basic information about the PWA, such as name, different icons, app appearance, splash screen, app version, description, the author, etc
Why Create a PWA?
Businesses and engineering teams should consider building a progressive web app instead of a traditional one. Here are some of the biggest arguments in favor of PWAs:
- PWAs are responsive. Mobile-first design approach allows PWAs to support a variety of windows and orientations
- PWAs can work in a slow Internet environment or without Internet. Application developers can choose how a PWA behaves with no Internet connection, while traditional web applications or websites stop working without an active Internet connection.
- PWAs are secure because they always serve over HTTP.
- It can install on the home screen, making the app more accessible
- PWAs provide great functionality such as push notifications, app updates, and more
PWA and React
There are different ways to create a progressive web app. One can use vanilla JS, HTML, and CSS or choose a framework or library. Some of the popular options in 2020 are Ionic, Vue, Angular, Polymer, and of course, React, which happens to be my favorite front-end library.
Advantages and Disadvantages of PWAs
PWAs (Progressive Web Apps ) has, without a doubt, one of the technologies with the most significant potential in the field of mobile devices. Its advancements address some of the limitations of both web and native apps.
Everything augurs that they are the future of mobile apps, as a process of the natural evolution of native ones.
Let’s see what the advantages and disadvantages of PWAs are.
The Advantages
The advantages of PWAs over web applications and native applications are better user experience, greater engagement capacity, and lower development costs for companies.
These benefits are possible thanks to a technology that manages to adapt the app to how the user uses it:
- They are cross-platform and accessible from any browser and operating system.
- PWA adapt their functions to the browser used by the user.
- They allow users to inform through push notifications.
- PWA do not need to download, so they do not take up space on the mobile.
- They can use without an Internet connection thanks to their Service Worker technology.
- Its loading speed is similar to that of native apps, higher than that of web applications.
- Its navigation is simple, intuitive, and immersive, similar to native apps.
- The user can share store data in the app, such as favorites lists.
- Updates are done automatically, without inconvenience to the user.
- Its responsive design adapts to any device.
- It does not require developing programming for each operating system.
- They use a secure protocol TLS (Transport Layer Security).
- A shortcut can save on the mobile home screen as in native apps.
- They locate using a search engine or QR code without searching the store, increasing the app’s presence.
- PWA can share as a link through an instant messaging program, such as WhatsApp.
- They work in the background, improving engagement.
- Although their use is still somewhat limited, PWAs are an up-and-coming alternative.
The Disadvantages
Like all technology, progressive web apps have some drawbacks.
They cannot access all of the device’s functionality, such as a contact list or advanced camera utilities.
At the moment, not all browsers are compatible with PWAs, so some users still cannot access them.
PWAs are ideal for developing an app adapted to mobile devices and accessible, but their technology does not yet allow the creation of very complex sites. The future of PWAs seen with great optimism due to the great potential offered by this type of development to bring companies and users closer together through mobile phones.
Create your First PWA Step by Step!
The so-called “Progressive Web Apps” are a type of mobile application built with web technologies, using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and work on any platform that contains a browser to run it. Some characteristics of a PWA are:
Responsive Design
Works regardless of available connection
it’s safe
Installable: Users can add an icon as a native app on their home screen!
To demonstrate some of these features, we designed Pigment, a PWA that provides Hexa, RGB, HSL, and CMYK format conversion, and then a step-by-step guide to converting it to PWA!
Requirements
Basic knowledge of JavaScript, CSS, and HTML
The Onesie CSS library adds a responsive design. It looks good on any device, whether a cell phone, tablet, or notebook! your favorite web browser, what are you going to build
You will Create a Web App that use to Convert Color Formats using the Following:
One UI CSS Service Workers to provide offline functionality. Web Manifest so that your web app can install. We recommend using PWA builder to build the required files. It will make the step-by-step much simpler!
PWA Conclusion
A Progressive Web App (PWA) offers a user experience similar to a native app on the mobile web. Businesses around the world are adopting PWA as it does not consume storage like a native app, does not have to be developed separately for different devices/OS, consumes less data, and supports fast charging.
So is a Progressive Web App (PWA) the Future of Apps?
Yes, we can agree on that. PWAs equate to a win-win situation. On the one hand, a PWA responds to user needs by offering fast charging and lower data consumption. On the other hand, a PWA is cheaper to build and provides a competitive advantage and better returns on investment, as “speed” is a critical parameter driving business growth in a digital space.
However, developing a progressive web app is not enough. The icing on the cake is a foolproof marketing plan to increase usage of your PWA.
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