Progressive Web App

Progressive web apps (PWA) are websites that look and feel like an app. This means users can access all information and capabilities without downloading a mobile app and it is a mixture of mobile and web app.

PWA use modern web technology to deliver app-like experiences to users, right in their browsers.

PWA have effectively reduced the steps between the discoveries of an app and getting it on the home screen, thereby eliminating the friction of getting the app installed on your device. Native apps are only available via Play Store/App Store. The reason behind the success of these stores is that users have no other choice in how they can find and install native apps.

But when it comes to PWA, there is no single store! So we can have carefully curated app stores that suit our needs perfectly. The opportunities are limitless! Progressive web apps successfully help businesses increase conversions, page visits, and session length.

They are a great option for businesses that don’t have the budget to invest in a mobile app.

Other benefits include:

1. Improved performance
2. Faster loading times
3. Engaging user experiences
4. Less data use

The general process of installing Native Apps is something like this:

1. Open the App Store and search for the app.
2. Click install.
3. Accept various permissions.
4. Open the app.
5. App launches.
6. Sign in to the app.
7. Use the app.

Let’s compare that to installing progressive web apps:

1. Visit the site.
2. Add to home screen.
3. Go to home screen and open site.
4. Use the app!

Example of Flipkart as PWA. Open the Flipkart URL on mobile’s browser then open the browser’s menu, you will see the option Add to Home Screen.

Now just by clicking Add to Home screen option, the app will be installed on device

Now when you open the PWA, you will notice that is exactly like what you saw on your web browser. A major disadvantage of PWAs is that iOS is yet to provide support to PWAs. But developers at Apple seem to have started working on providing the support. https://www.ceymplon.lk/service/it-service/mobile-applications.