Are PWA (Progressive web Apps) The Future of Web Applications?

Progressive web apps are also known as native web apps because of their feel and look. PWA is compatible with any browser, be it Chrome, Firefox or Opera without the need to download it from the app store. A quip tap on the link will automatically install PWA on the user’s phone. Recently, there has been news going around that PWA might be the future of web development, especially when it comes to mobile devices. But what is PWA?

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PWA is a regular is a web application that delivers the same result with a native app using modern web techniques. Through progressive enhancement, the web application can provide features such as background sync, caching, and push notifications. Although the web application has been around for just a few years, it has earned an overwhelming response. Big companies have adopted it while some are yet to grab the concept fully. But what are the unique benefits of PWA? Let’s consider them.

Responsive

If not for any other thing, a progressive web app is known for its responsiveness. They are designed to work with any device as the layout automatically adjust to fit the device whether it is on tablet, mobile, desktop or laptop.

Secure

PWA is served through HTTPS, hence; they are always secure compared to traditional web apps. Thus, the app cannot be vandalized because it is tamper-proof.

Reliable

PWA can work offline, so it is reliable even when the network is unstable. This is enabled through the service worker which is a type of web worker that reduces user data usage. Konga, a top e-commerce website in Nigeria has utilized PWA extensively in its web application to reduce usage of the data users by 92%.

Efficient

Following a recent study, it was revealed that on the average, a user spends 80% of his total time on just 3 of his apps. Other apps would lie idle on his phone, and they are rarely clicked due to the large memory consumption. However, to develop an app, a web developer needs ten times the effort put into the creation of a single website for the same purpose. And it could cost a lot higher if the intention is to develop and maintain separate code basis for the various platforms such as iOS, Android and the web.

Below are some examples of various platforms that have adopted PWA

  • Twitter noticed 75% increase in Tweets sent.
  • BookMyShowhas observed 80%+ increase in their conversion rates.
  • Forbes noticed increase in session per user by 43%.

 

Summary

Each day, various brands are adopting PWA, and the reason is obvious. Native apps and mobile sites have its ups and downs but PWA has proven to be the best alternative between them. As we await further adoption of this technology, some great things can be expected from this innovation.

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