# Development

The power of progressive web apps (PWAs): From the basics to successful implementation

Red Rocket TeamNov 20, 20245 min read

The website VS mobile app opposition has existed for many years, because many entrepreneurs can't decide which product they need. Obviously, both options share many common characteristics and differences. A website is something familiar to all people that requires a device and Internet connection. Mobile apps are more versatile, can work offline, and offer a lot of functionality. How cool it would be to combine the above two products into one to get more benefits and efficiency for the company.

Actually, many development companies have been implementing progressive web apps technologies in various projects for a long time now. This allows you to take the best features from the website and native mobile app. What does it look like, and on what principle does it work? Surely, you may have many progressive web app questions, so we are here to share a detailed guide with you.

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Introduction to progressive web apps (PWAs)

According to statistics provided by reputable sources, the efficiency and key metrics of progressive web apps are significantly better than that of regular websites and native apps. Why is it so? We suggest first to understand the term PWA in detail so that this topic is well understood even for a newcomer in the development sphere.

PWA is an abbreviation that stands for progressive web application. This is one of the IT terms that every business owner today should know. Specialists categorize PWAs as a separate type of web application. PWA means that the product is created on the basis of a regular website and at the same time includes the characteristics of a mobile application. In simple words, it is a hybrid of a website and an application for mobile gadgets that offer more convenience during use for users.

The final product looks like an app as it has a shortcut on the smartphone's desktop screen. However, when you open this product, you are taken to a separate page in the web browser. Are there any examples of progressive web apps? Of course, in general, leading organizations use such apps in different industries today. For example, each of you has heard about Uber, Duolingo, and Spotify. What all these technologies have in common is the fact that they are progressive web apps.

Key features of progressive web apps

As we said above, PWAs are something between ordinary websites and native apps that you can say from the App Store or Play Market. However, there are several features of progressive web apps that set them apart from other products. We've prepared everything you'll need to know about this kind of web app.

Autonomy. Of course, most of the users prefer a mobile app because of its autonomy. The same goes for progressive web apps because people can open them and use them anywhere without an Internet connection. As you know, regular websites won't work if you are not connected to Wi-Fi or mobile Internet.
Launch from a smartphone display. Another feature of PWA is the ability to open from your smartphone's home screen. You don't have to go into a browser, write a request, or click a link to get where you want to go. You just need to add a shortcut to your smartphone and tap on it. This works just as well on its own as it does with regular smartphone and tablet apps.

These two points show what characteristics progressive web applications must meet. Because of this, the development of PWAs differs significantly from the development methods of conventional websites or applications. We will tell you more about this and about the useful advantages of PWAs.

Benefits of progressive web apps

Why are web applications a more popular option among ordinary users? This question interests many entrepreneurs and startup owners. It's simple - this technology of web application development has a lot of pluses that users like. Here are the benefits of progressive web apps that will be useful to learn about:

Speed. To open a regular website, it may take you up to half a minute to load your browser and search for the page you need. To load a progressive web application, you only need to spend about 5 seconds. You save time on opening a browser and searching for the necessary resources.
Large selection of browsers. Another advantage of such technology is the support of different browsers. No matter what you use, Opera, Mozilla, or Google Chrome, you can open the necessary shortcut.
Advanced functionality. Just like native mobile apps, PWAs can incorporate many advanced features. For example, these web apps are often added with payment features in the e-commerce industry.
Automatic updates. For many users, it is well-known that mobile apps require updates every week. PWAs, on the other hand, are updated automatically because they are browser-based.
Don't require a lot of space on the device. The size of regular mobile apps can reach several GB, which is a problem for many smartphones. Progressive web apps, on average, take up 3-5 MB of space on the device.

All the above features have a positive impact on users and visitors. How about the benefits that will be useful for the organization owners? The main benefit of progressive web applications for a company is cost saving. Thus, you don't need to spend money on creating a website and native application. By creating a PWA, you get two products in one.

PWA vs native mobile apps

You may ask why create a PWA if its functionality is identical to the native application. Certainly, developers can implement many additional features in both products. However, their differences are well-known to many experts. Let us tell you more about the comparison between progressive web apps and mobile apps.

Progressive web applications

This is a combination of a website and a mobile app, giving users the convenience and speed of a user experience without the need for download and installation. PWAs work directly through the browser, allowing users to launch them instantly, regardless of device or operating system. They require a single codebase that is suitable for all platforms. By utilizing caching technologies, progressive web applications can function even without a stable internet connection. However, such solutions have limitations in accessing device hardware capabilities such as Bluetooth, NFC, or sophisticated sensors.

Native mobile applications

Native mobile apps are programs known to many people that can be installed on Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. It's no secret that native apps have full access to all the device's hardware capabilities: camera, GPS, motion sensors, Bluetooth, and others. The programs are optimized to work on a specific platform, which ensures smooth operation and high speed even under intensive loads. Such applications are used in various spheres, including e-commerce, health, travel, transportation, and gaming.

Key requirements and technologies for building PWAs

How to build progressive web apps? This question may arise after you have learned about all the advantages of this technology. So, to create a progressive web application, you will need to use some technologies and fulfill the main requirements.

The first point we should mention here is the change in protocol to HTTPS. It establishes a secure link between the users and the server so that all information exchanged between them are secured, making it secure, fast, and effective for SEO.

The largest prerequisite is the service workers, which are scripts. They run on their own on the web browser’s background at the user’s end. They are those that bridge the gap between the user, the browser, and the network, helping in apparatuses like caching, background syncs, and push notifications, amongst others. The service workers help the developers manage the application caches to enable the offline content and data from the previous session. This leads to faster loading of applications and other GUI elements and improved overall reliability.

The manifest file is another important file that should be provided in order to build PWA. It is a JSON file containing details about the web application, including the name and icons of the application, the URL it initially loads, and the display mode it should adopt. This information assists the browser in identifying the app as a PWA and renders it in a manner associated with native applications.

Final thoughts

Progressive web apps features help users and your customers to get more convenient solutions than just websites or native apps. They don't have to download it to their device to enjoy all the benefits and wide functionality. That's why more and more business owners are deciding to develop a progressive web application instead of a regular website or an expensive native mobile app.

What should be considered during the development process? Undoubtedly, you should pay attention to the desired functionality, security issues, and interface. Don't forget that color psychology matters more in web design and can affect the behavioral factors of your customers.

Frequently asked questions

What are some popular examples of progressive web apps?

Although many leading companies have their own apps today, you can often find progressive web apps. Talking about the e-commerce sphere, the first thing that comes to mind is Aliexpress. This is the most famous example of a progressive web app that is used by millions of people around the world. Other examples include Spotify, Tinder, and Telegram Web.

What's the main difference between a PWA and a familiar mobile app?

The first thing that distinguishes these two products is that PWA does not require installation from the program store. It is enough just to add a shortcut to your device without downloading it beforehand. The next difference is the principle of working through a browser, where remote servers are used.

Can I use progressive web applications on Android and iOS devices?

Yes, PWAs work on both Android and iOS devices. On Android, they are supported by all modern browsers and allow you to add an icon to your desktop. It is also possible to install iOS via Safari.