Progressive Web Apps: The future of Web Application Development

Key progressive web app statistics

Have you ever wondered about progressive web apps (PWAs)?

According to a recent Google survey, more than 11.4 million users are using PWAs. By comparison, the number using a native app is 4 million. The report also predicts that progressive web apps will eventually replace dedicated native mobile apps.

Many social media and hospitality companies are moving to progressive apps. For instance, Pinterest, after leveraging progressive web apps, increased core engagement by 60%, and increased visit duration by 40%. Trivago, the OTA website, boosted user engagement by 150%.

Are these numbers impressive enough to get your attention? If so, keep reading! Here’s a brief summary of PWAs from Adamo Software

So what are PWAs?

PWAs are web apps that use modern web capabilities to deliver a reliable, fast, and engaging experience to users on their devices. It offers faster loading and less data usage by providing customization and caching capabilities. Developers can just code one and deploy everywhere.

Key features

To be considered a PWA, the web app must meet the following requirements:

1) Speed

In progressive web apps, the JavaScript file runs separately from the main thread even in low or offline network situations. This helps to reduce the coding and loading time of the application.

2) Updates

A PWA guarantees timely system updates by allowing an app to automatically fix bugs and update deployment without contacting the app store. It also helps developers save time as one version can be paired with both Android and iOS platforms.

3) Security

By using HTTPS protocol, a PWA prohibits hackers from stealing user information from the browser and protects the website from malicious code.

4) App-Shell

PWAs create the “feeling” of an app because the app shell model splits application functionality from application content.

5) User Engagement

PWAs allow users to customize the app easily. A PWA controls the way an app renders and launches on mobile because it’s built with progressive enhancement as a core tenet.

6) Memory Management

Applying pre-caching content, a progressive web app can load quickly when being opened by the user. In addition, the storage space that’s required for installing a PWA is reduced.

7) Linkable

With current progressive web apps on the market, users can instantly share the application via URLs without any complex installation.

8) Responsive

PWAs fit any device platforms: desktop, mobile, tablet and whatever comes next. This is an important factor that makes software development easier for your business. Because developers don’t have to create a different app for different devices.

Conclusion

The appearance of progressive web apps has marked a big turning point in web application development. With a responsive feature set, PWAs have started to dominate the market. It would be a mistake to overlook the advantages of progressive web apps, especially as the technology gains traction through the technical support of companies like Google, Apple and Microsoft.