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Progressive web applications - Coggle Diagram
Progressive web applications
What it is
A progressive web app (PWA) is the set of mobile web application development techniques that entails building apps that feel and look like native ones.
PROS of PWA
Development savings
Specialists who follow the progressive web apps trend use a web stack for their development. This approach takes less effort and time, so it’s more cost-efficient.
The reason is that 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.
Reduced installation friction
Discoverability, one of PWAs’ core features, increases their competitiveness over native apps. This advantage is especially meaningful considering that each additional step to download an app reduces the number of its potential users by 20 percent.
Easy updates
In addition to skipping the app store, surfing, and installation, PWA users free themselves from updating (or accepting the update offer) for the app each time a developer releases new versions.
PWA features
Connectivity independence. Progressive web applications can work both offline and on low-quality networks.
App-like interface. These apps mimic navigation and interactions of native apps.
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.
Safety. These apps are served through HTTPS, so unauthorized users can’t access their content.
Discoverability and easy installation. While search engines classify PWAs as applications, they are not distributed via app stores. These apps can be shared through a URL instead so they’re easily found. The installation is simple and entails visiting a site and adding it to a device home screen.
PWA components
The Web App manifest
The Web App manifest — a JSON file — is the first component that gives the progressive its native app interface appearance. With the manifest, a developer can control the way the app is displayed to the user (i.e. full-screen mode without visible URL bar) and how it can be launched.
Service Worker
A service worker is another technical element that supports one of the main features of progressive web applications — the offline work mode, background syncs, and push notifications typical for native apps.
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. T
Push notifications. Push notifications are an efficient tool for user re-engagement through the content and prompt updates from websites they like. Progressive web apps can send push notifications even when the browser is closed, and the app isn’t active.