What are Progressive Web Apps
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are an evolution of existing web technologies, they are hybrid web applications or rather they are websites that can be installed in any smartphone in a similar way to native apps.
But unlike the latter, they enjoy some advantages in terms of usability, real-time updating and offline use.
The term Progressive Web App was coined in 2015 by Frances Berriman and Google Chrome developer Alex Russell.
I cornerstone principles of the PWAs are:
- Reliability, that is, the ability to function offline, without the usual message of a connection being absent or in some circumstance weak appearing.
Also important is the responsive layout that allows content to fit in any device, without altering its quality. - Speed. Progressive Web Apps rest on a service worker that enables content caching, the moment the application is opened.
- Engagement, thanks to the ability to send push notifications.
The advantages of Progressive Web Apps
- Progressive and Responsive. Progressive Web Apps can be used by any user, regardless of browser type: Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Edge.
They turn out to be compatible for desktop and any mobile device, thus providing a great browsing experience; - Installable. Users can install the app on the device instantly without any need to download or go through the stores;
- Instantly browsable and offline. Progressive Web Apps, unlike traditional web apps, can use advanced caching inside the device to make browsing faster.
Users can also browse offline, and this aspect is one of the main aspects that differentiate Progressive Web Apps from classic apps. - Interactable through push notifications. PWAs allow them to relate to the user’s device by sending push notifications.
Offer notifications, newsletters, and more. - Google-indexable and trackable. In terms of indexing, they can receive organic traffic, and in terms of tracking, you can analyze user behavior within individual pages on Google Analytics.
- App like. They behave with the user as if they were native apps, in terms of interaction and navigation.
- Secure. Progressive Web Apps can only be used with the HTTPS protocol, to have complete security on data transmission and not to incur content manipulation by third parties.
For more information, to find out how a Progressive Web app can benefit your business, and to get a free quote, fill out our contact form.