PWA, which allows the development of web applications with native app-like functionality, is attracting attention. In this article, we will provide an overview of PWA and explain in detail how it differs from native apps, as well as provide a thorough explanation of the benefits of using PWA and the configuration for development.
Please refer to it not only for those developing web applications, but also for those who are interested in PWA, those who are actually considering implementing it, and those who want to know about implementation costs.
What is PWA (Progressive Web Apps)?
PWA is a front-end technology that allows web apps to have the convenience of a smartphone app. You can use functions such as push notification settings that were not possible with traditional web app mechanisms.
By using PWA, it is possible to build web applications with functionality similar to native applications, so it is now used in many web applications.
Why are PWAs (Progressive Web Apps) attracting attention?
Traditional web apps have been supported by programming languages such as
HTML
5,
CSS
3, and
JavaScript
.
Looking back at the history of web apps, compared to the past, modern web apps have a wider range of expression due to advances in technology and are more user-friendly.
This PWA is one step ahead of conventional technology, allowing you to create web applications that have native app-like functionality.
Additionally, PWAs do not need to be developed differently depending on the OS, and they tend to cost less to develop than native apps. PWA is attracting attention because it has great benefits for developers.
Differences between PWA (Progressive Web Apps) and other apps
PWA is not limited by OS. Therefore, it is completely different from native apps, which have different designs depending on the OS. The following two types of apps are important in distinguishing PWA from other apps.
We will explain the differences between each PWA.
Differences from native apps
Native apps are applications that can be installed and used in the application store of each OS.
When building a native app, the first thing to do is to decide which OS it will be used on, and the building process differs depending on the OS. You will also need to submit your app to Google Play for Android and App Store for iOS, and have it approved by both.
PWA, on the other hand, has the functionality of an app for smartphones, but it does not require construction for each OS or approval for each OS, which is a major difference from native apps.
Differences from hybrid apps
A hybrid app is an application that has both the characteristics of a native app and a web app.
Hybrid apps are built based on the languages used for web apps, such as CSS3, HTML5, and JavaScript, but because they are limited to display in Webview, their functionality cannot be used in a browser.
Hybrid apps are different from PWAs because they have a browser installed on top of a native app.
Basic configuration of PWA (Progressive Web Apps)
If you understand the components of PWA development, you can understand how PWA works. The basic components of PWA include:
When developing PWA, the above requirements must be met. The basic configuration includes a Service Worker that enables the
cache
/push notification function, an https server for use with Google, a Single Page Application that calls information from
the server
, and an App Manifest for specifying icons on the home screen and Splash screen. This is a requirement.
Advantages of introducing PWA (Progressive Web Apps)
PWAs have features similar to native apps, but they also have many benefits that native apps don’t have. Examples of the benefits of implementing PWA include:
I will explain each in turn.
Either Android or iOS is OK
PWAs are not limited by the OS, unlike native apps installed through an application store.
When developing native apps, there are basically differences in the languages used for Android and iOS, and in the development process and procedures. Of course, cross-platform development allows you to use a unified language to develop both Android and iOS apps at the same time, but not all processes are the same.
Therefore, when developing native apps, you must pay attention to the differences in the development flow between Android and iOS. On the other hand, with PWA, there is no difference in OS in the first place, so it can be compatible with both OSes.
No need to apply to store
Unlike native apps, PWAs do not need to be submitted to an application store.
Native apps must be submitted to Google Play for Android and App Store for iOS.
Especially in the case of iOS, the app will not be reflected in the App Store unless it is approved by Apple, so there is a weakness that it will not reach users unless it goes through the process of application and approval.
In addition, there is a risk that store applications will be rejected, and in that case, release delays and corrections must be included in the schedule. PWA has the advantage of not being bound by the OS, and can be delivered to users immediately without the hassle or risk of applying to a store.
You can place an icon on the home screen
You can also add pages displayed in your browser to your home screen using conventional web apps. In the case of PWA, by using the service worker function, you can add icons to the home screen like an app, and display icons of any design on the user’s home screen.
Another advantage is that the web app can be used offline using the cache saved on the user’s device from the icon added to the home screen.
Excellent display speed
PWA allows you to use caching in your web apps. Since it can be saved to a local cache, when you open the web app again, it will load faster than before.
There is no doubt that faster display speeds will make the web app more convenient for users. Improving display speed also has the benefit of lowering the bounce rate.
Display speed is an important element that is directly connected to user experience, so it is especially recommended for people who are concerned about display speed.
Content can be listed in search results
The ability to include content in search results is a crucial difference from native apps.
Native apps can only display content by installing them through an application store.
However, since PWA is just a web app, search engines will display the content for you. Therefore, it is easy to attract new users using keywords, etc., which is a big advantage compared to native apps.
Can send push notifications
Push notifications are familiar to native apps, but if you use a service worker, you can also send push notifications to web apps. Push notifications not only improve the quality of the user experience, but they also have the advantage of being retrofitted to existing web apps, which is a great benefit for developers.
Please note that push notifications may operate differently depending on the browser you use, or may not support push notifications in the first place.
Can reduce development costs
As mentioned above, PWAs can reduce development costs because there is no need to separate development steps for each OS. There are no OS restrictions, no application store application period is required, and there is no need to adjust schedules in the event of a rejection.
One of the appeals of PWA is that it can be easily developed regardless of the platform.
Uses less data capacity
PWA can keep the amount of data on the user’s side small. PWA uses cache to allow web applications to be viewed offline, minimizing data usage.
Many native apps require a lot of storage space when installing them from the store or
downloading
data.
In this regard, PWA has the great advantage of requiring minimal communication compared to native apps.
Possibility to reduce bounce rate
The nature and benefits of PWA bring great benefits to both web application developers and operators as well as users. The benefits of PWA mentioned above work together as a synergistic effect, potentially lowering the bounce rate of web apps.
Bounce rate, transition rate, and circulation rate are major factors that lead to
. Therefore, using PWA has the potential to improve the quality of the user experience, reduce the bounce rate, and improve the conversion rate.
summary
PWAs are great for bringing the best features of native apps to web apps while minimizing costs. Native apps require a certain amount of development cost, but by using PWA, you can use web apps without any OS restrictions.
PWAs are currently gaining attention because they have great benefits for both developers and users. Why not refer to this article and consider PWA development?