The PWA: A revolution for web and app development
In short:
- Progressive Web Applications (PWA) combine website and app functionality, making them faster and cheaper to develop than traditional apps.
- PWAs are installed as an icon on a phone desktop and provide access to phone features such as GPS and push notifications.
- Benefits for companies include lower development costs, faster loading times, and avoiding strict app store requirements and costs, although it may generate distrust among users.
The PWA: A revolution for web and app development
If you're building a website or a landing page, it's now good practice to build an app for that too. Until recently, these were two completely different areas for developers. But with the arrival of the PWA, the Progressive Web Application, this is changing. Apps are much easier to build with a PWA, and they are even faster. With all the benefits that entails.
The 'normal' app
A PWA is both a website and a mobile app in one. Nothing changes about the website, the difference lies mainly in the app. After all, a PWA does not consist of two parts, but it is one web application that offers additional functions for mobile devices. A normal app is built as a stand-alone, separate from the website. This costs time and money in terms of development. In addition, in principle, all apps are offered by the Play Store for Android and by the App store for iOS. Apple, in particular, has strict requirements and strict terms of use.
Difference with PWA
With a PWA, this works exactly the opposite. The app is like a 'wrap' around the mobile website. When you open the website, you get a pop-up at the bottom of your screen offering to place the website on your desktop. If you accept this, the PWA will be installed as an icon on your phone. Now you can open the mobile site as an app by clicking on this icon.
PWA benefits
For the user, a PWA works almost the same as a normal app. The biggest advantage for the user is that the loading time of the app is a lot shorter. Furthermore, these are mainly advantages for the company that offers the PWA.
- Developing a PWA takes much less time;
- Is therefore much cheaper;
- Has access to a phone's features such as GPS, microphone, camera, and push notifications (Android only);
- And works even faster.
The latter is partly because a PWA uses cache memory. For example, the first ten articles or parts are stored there. Loading is then a lot faster.
Bypass Playstore and Appstore
Bypassing the Play and App Store can be seen as both an advantage and a disadvantage. The advantage is that you don't have to meet all the conditions. A possible disadvantage is that users are used to the stores and may distrust website pop-ups. A PWA definitely recommends clear communication to your customer to ensure trust.
A PWA therefore offers many advantages for companies. Want to know more about using PWAs? Or do you want your own Have PWA built? Then get in touch with us. We'd love to help you out!