Exploring the Benefits of Progressive Web Apps (PWA) [WithExamples]

Have you ever wondered what makes some websites load faster, work offline, and look like native apps on your smartphone? The answer is progressive web apps (PWA), a new technology that combines the best of web and mobile apps.

In this blog, we will explore what progressive web apps are, how they work, and what benefits they offer to both users and developers. We will also look at some progressive web app examples that showcase the potential of this technology.

Progressive web apps are web apps that act like native apps. They use web technologies to do this. They are progressive, meaning they work for every user, regardless of browser or device. They are responsive, meaning they fit any screen size and orientation. They are connectivity-independent, meaning they can work offline or on low-quality networks. They are app-like, meaning they have an app icon, a splash screen, and a full-screen mode. They are fresh, meaning they always load the latest version of the content.

They are safe, meaning they use HTTPS to ensure secure data transmission. They are discoverable, meaning they can be found by search engines and can be installed on the home screen. They are re-engageable, meaning they can send push notifications to users. They are installable, meaning they can be added to the home screen without the need for an app store. They are linkable, meaning they can be easily shared via a URL and do not require complex installation.

Progressive web apps are web apps that act like native apps. They use web technologies to do this. Some of these technologies are:

• Service workers: They run in the background and make the web app work offline. They also cache data, send notifications, and sync data. They work as a bridge between the browser and the network. They check the network and use cached data if possible.

• Web app manifest: It is a JSON file that has the web app’s information. For example, the name, icon, colour, layout, and mode. It tells the browser how the web app should appear and work when added to the home screen.

• App shell: It is the basic code that makes the web app’s structure and UI. It is HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It is stored by the service worker and loaded fast. The dynamic content comes from the network later.

Progressive web apps offer many benefits to both users and developers, such as:

• Faster loading: Progressive web apps use service workers and app shells to cache the essential resources and load them instantly, resulting in faster loading times and better performance.

• Offline access: Progressive web apps can work offline or on low-quality networks, thanks to service workers and cached data. This improves the user experience and reduces the dependency on the network.

• Native app-like feel: Progressive web apps mimic the look and feel of native apps, with app icons, splash screens, full-screen mode, and smooth transitions. They also support gestures, such as swiping and tapping, to provide a more intuitive and immersive experience.

• No app store hassle: Progressive web apps can be installed on the home screen directly from the browser, without the need for an app store. This simplifies the installation process and eliminates the friction of app updates and approvals.

• Increased engagement: Progressive web apps can send push notifications to users, even when the web app is not open. This helps to re-engage users and increase retention and conversion rates.

• Improved SEO: Progressive web apps are discoverable by search engines and can be indexed and ranked like any other web page. This helps to increase the visibility and reach of the web app.

Many progressive web app examples demonstrate the power and potential of this technology. Here are some of them:

• Twitter Lite: This is a lightweight version of the popular social media platform, designed for users with limited data and storage. It uses only 3% of the device storage and consumes 70% less data than the native app. It also supports offline access, push notifications, and home screen installation. It has increased user engagement by 65% and reduced bounce rate by 20%.

• Pinterest: This is a visual discovery platform that allows users to find and save ideas for various projects and interests. It has revamped its mobile web experience using progressive web app technology, resulting in a faster and more app-like experience. It has increased user engagement by 60% and ad revenue by 44%.

• Flipkart: This is India's largest e-commerce platform that sells a wide range of products online. It has launched a progressive web app called Flipkart Lite, which offers a fast and reliable shopping experience to users with low-end devices and slow networks. It has increased user engagement by 40% and conversions by 70%.

• Starbucks: This is a global coffee company that offers a progressive web app for its online ordering system. It allows users to browse the menu, customize their orders, and pay online, even when offline. It has increased daily active users by 2x and improved the performance by 99%.