Making websites mobile-friendly is no longer an option but a must for businesses if they want to have visibility in the online marketplace. While most businesses are offering user-friendly apps to their audience, progressive web apps (PWAs) seem to be the next thing on the horizon!
Progressive Web Apps appeared in the digital arena a few years ago but seem to be becoming extremely popular because of the benefits they offer.
What is a Progressive Web App?
A Progressive Web App is an app that offers the functionality of a native app along with the accessibility of a website. PWAs are written such that they run on a web browser. Users only require a URL and a web browser to use a PWA.
Let’s see how a PWA is different from a native App?
Native Apps need to be downloaded on Play Store and installed on the device. PWA does not require any installation. They can be accessed through the browser and users can add them to their home screen through a few clicks.
PWA does not take as much space as native Apps on the device.
- Native Apps require the users to manually update the app each time there is an update. However, a PWA does not require the user to update the App. The PWA just shows the latest version each time it is accessed.
- PWAs load faster than Native Apps.
- PWAs come with inbuilt security features while Native Apps need security to be built and integrated.
- Native Apps are more expensive to build because they need to be built separately for Android and iOS devices. Also, they require resources for maintaining and updating each version. On the other hand, PWA can be built on a single codebase and are compatible with multiple platforms. By using responsive design concepts, you can develop just one version of the App and it will display in the same manner on different devices. This makes it simple to develop the App and less expensive.
- PWAs are SEO-friendly. However, native app pages cannot be indexed and listed on search engines. They will require ASO(App Store Optimization) so that they become discoverable.
All these benefits will make you feel that you need to start developing PWAs for your business. But, it is better to look at the drawbacks of PWAs before you make a decision.
What are the Negatives of a PWA?
Native Apps offer push notifications to users. This feature engages users and makes them return to your App frequently. Although PWAs have push notifications, they are not the same across different platforms. Hence they are not as effective.
Native Apps offer the feature of “Geofencing” by which users can set virtual boundaries in real life. So, when a user steps into this boundary, the App triggers phone actions. Geofencing along with push notifications is highly effective in increasing user engagement.
In a PWA, the hardware for online payments varies according to the platform. This makes it a little complex compared to the online payment system in a Native App.
Besides these, there are other limitations like limited interaction with other Apps. etc.
Therefore it is recommended that you consult a professional regarding the type of App your business requires.
JWV Development has a team of professional developers who can guide you on the best App for your business and develop customized Apps for your business!