A Progressive Web App is a modern website that uses modern web capabilities to deliver fast, engaging, and reliable mobile app-like experience for users. The web app needs to deploy in server, accessible through URLs, and indexed by search engines, but no need to install at user end. End users progressively build relationships with the app over time, this help the app to become more and more powerful.
The approach was introduced by Google in 2015, and since then has become a hot topic among engineers. Designer Frances Berriman and Google Chrome engineer Alex Russell coined the term "progressive web apps" to describe apps taking advantage of new features supported by modern browsers, including service workers and web app manifests, that lets users upgrade web apps to progressive web applications in their native operating system (OS). Progressive Web Apps are built using web standards and the familiar languages HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Basic features of a progressive web app
Progressive web apps are an enhancement of existing web technology. As such, they do not require separate bundling or distribution. Publication of a progressive web app is as it would be for any other web page. PWAs work in any browser, but "app-like" features such as being independent of connectivity, install home screen and push messaging depend on browser support. It offers the user functionality such as working offline, push notifications, and device hardware access traditionally available only to native applications.
- Progressive - Built with progressive enhancement that work for every user.
- App-like - The app-shell model that provide app-style navigation and interactions.
- Responsive - From desktop to mobile, tablet, or whatever is next. Progressive enhancement is the web design strategy of providing the basic functionality and content to everyone regardless of browsers they use or connection quality while delivering more sophisticated page versions to users whose newer browsers can support them.
- Reliable - Load instantly, even in uncertain network conditions.
- Connectivity Independent - Enhanced with service that help to work offline or on low-quality networks.
- Fast - Respond quickly with silky smooth animations.
- Safe - Served via HTTPS that prevent snooping and ensure content hasn't been tampered with.
- Re-engageable - Makes re-engagement easy through features like push notifications.
- Discoverable - Thanks to W3C manifests and service worker registration scope allowing search engines to crawl and find them online.
- Sharable - Easily share the application via URL, does not require any complex installation.
- Development savings - This approach takes less effort and time, so it’s more cost-efficient. The developers don’t need to build the app for multiple platforms because a single progressive app can perform well on both Android and iOS and fit various devices.
- Offline work mode - The service worker allows for caching an application shell (interface), so it loads instantly on repeat visits. The necessary dynamic content (i.e. message or payment history, shopping cart, avatars) is refreshed every time the connection is back. These mechanics allows for decent app performance and improved user experience.
- Browser compatibility - PWAs work with all browsers and are compatible with any device, regardless of screen size and other specifications. Tablet and mobile users will have the same experience. Users can even adjust the app to the desktop if needed.
- Push notifications - If used as a part of a good messaging strategy, push notifications can keep customers interested, motivating them to open and use an app more.
- Self-updates - Able to update themselves automatically, apps stay fresh.
- PWAs have more SEO powers - The web's advantage is the ability to link, making it easy to connect disparate points. Progressive web apps are indexed in more detail than a traditional native app. PWA product is indeed more powerful than native mobile apps when it comes to SEO optimization.
- Social integration - Integrations with your customers’ favorite social networks are great for acquisition and engagement of your PWA. Using social media platforms you can streamline registration process for new users by letting them log in quickly via preferred social account. It removes the hassle to fill a long form before enjoying the benefits of signed up customers. Social integration provide even more meaningful ways for your online users to interact with your brand: it allows customers to share their wish-list, orders and reviews via social networks.
