Progressive web apps have revolutionized the way we think about mobile development. With their seamless blend of web and app features, they've captured the attention of developers worldwide. But what exactly are progressive web apps, and why should you consider building one?
A progressive web application is a website built using web technologies that mimics the experience of a native mobile app. It takes advantage of the latest advancements in browser technology, such as service workers, Cache API, and Push API, to provide users with an almost instant win when it comes to user experience.
One of the biggest advantages of progressive web apps is their ability to combine the best of both worlds – the vast ecosystem of the web and the power of native mobile apps. This means you can deploy your app faster, maintain it more easily, and reach a wider audience than ever before.
But why should you choose progressive web app development over traditional approaches? The answer lies in the user experience. A study has shown that on average, an app loses 20% of its users for every step between the initial contact and actual usage. With a progressive web app, there's no unnecessary downloading or installation – users can start using your app immediately.
Of course, native apps have their own strengths. Mobile applications with push notifications achieve up to three times more retention than those without, and users are three times more likely to reopen a mobile application than a website. But what if you could combine the best of both worlds? A progressive web app takes advantage of these characteristics, resulting in improved user retention and performance without the complications involved in maintaining a native mobile app.
When to Build a Progressive Web App
So when should you build a progressive web app? Native is usually recommended for applications that you expect users to return to frequently. But what if your application doesn't fit this mold? Flipkart, for instance, uses a progressive web app for its popular e-commerce platform, Flipkart Lite, while SBB uses one for their online check-in process.
To determine whether your next application should be a progressive web app, website, or native mobile application, first identify your users and the most important user actions. A progressive web app works in all browsers and enhances the experience whenever the user's browser is updated with new features and APIs.
Characteristics of Progressive Web Apps
Before we dive into code, it's essential to understand that progressive web apps have the following characteristics:
• Progressive: By definition, a progressive web app must work on any device and enhance progressively, taking advantage of any features available on the user's device and browser.
• Discoverable: Because a progressive web app is a website, it should be discoverable in search engines – a major advantage over native applications that still lag behind websites in searchability.
• Linkable: A well-designed website should use the URI to indicate the current state of the application, enabling the web app to retain or reload its state when the user bookmarks or shares the app's URL.
• Responsive: A progressive web app's UI must fit the device's form factor and screen size.
• App-like: A progressive web app should look like a native app and be built on the application shell model, with minimal page refreshes.
• Connectivity-independent: It should work in areas of low connectivity or offline – our favorite characteristic!
• Re-engageable: Mobile app users are more likely to reuse their apps, and progressive web apps are intended to achieve the same goals through features such as push notifications.
• Installable: A progressive web app can be installed on the device's home screen, making it readily available.
• Fresh: When new content is published and the user is connected to the Internet, that content should be made available in the app.
• Safe: Because a progressive web app has a more intimate user experience and all network requests can be intercepted through service workers, it's imperative that the app be hosted over HTTPS to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
Now that we've covered the basics of progressive web apps, let's get started with building one! In our next article, we'll create a simple progressive web app that simulates an airport's arrivals schedule.