All about PWAs (Progressive Web Apps)

PWAs, or Progressive Web Apps, first appeared in 2015. Combining the advantages of a website and a native application, they quickly caught the attention of many companies. Find out everything you need to know about them.

What is a PWA?

A PWA is a web application that comes in the form of a website or web pages that is specially designed to work as a native application or mobile application. It thus combines the characteristics of these 2 elements:

• Development using web languages ​​like HTML, CSS and JavaScript;
• Can be downloaded and displayed as an icon on the home screen;
• Availability offline. Note that in this case, users will therefore not benefit from information or other updates.

What are the differences between a mobile app and a PWA?

At first glance, the PWA has many similarities with a mobile application. However, it is indeed a website, as we said above. We will then explain to you how it differs from a native app.

1. A PWA is generally compatible with all operating systems of mobile devices. However, it should be noted that some features are inaccessible on Apple smartphones or tablets.
2. As it is accessible via a web browser, a PWA is referenced by search engines and therefore has greater visibility on the Internet.
3. Data is stored on the web and not on your device’s memory with a PWA. This is the reason why its size is usually very small.

What are the advantages and limitations of PWAs?

PWAs thus have many interesting advantages, whether for users or companies. Nevertheless, some firms are still reluctant to adopt them for fairly legitimate reasons. Let’s do a check in.

Advantages of PWAs

• Quick access to your favorite website by having the icon on your home screen;
• Can be used even offline;
• Automatically update information when the device is connected to an Internet network;
• Ease of use
• Relatively small size;
• Referencing by search engines for better visibility;
• Can be deployed on Google Play Store;
• Low-cost development and deployment, in particular thanks to the possibility of transforming an already existing website into a PWA.

Limits of PWAs

• Limited access to certain features on iOS;
• Unable to deploy on App Store;
• Lower performance than a native application.

Conclusion

PWAs were developed to improve user experiences and could therefore help you target a wider audience. At AppWapp, we specialize precisely in Web and mobile development and are able to offer you effective and robust solutions adapted to your needs.

We provide you with experienced developers who will meet your expectations. Do not hesitate to contact us for more details on our services or to call on us.