Only technology stays ahead with itself, when it stays a bit, we give it another push.
Mobile based native application usage dramatically overcame the web-based application with the technology improvement and enhancement.
What if something will replace these native mobile apps too??
Yes, it is already there into the market. It’s never a conclusion that native apps are not useful at all, in fact we use them for everyday task e.g. communicating apps. Native apps directly interact with operating system that makes them faster and more responsive. But native app for every purpose is not the necessity. Then what is better and latest we have into the market?
Here we go!! Progressive Web Apps (PWA), it is a web app that uses latest web features and functionalities to deliver a mobile app-like experience to users. These apps fulfill certain much needed requirements, and are deployed to servers, accessible through URLs, and indexed by search engines.
Progressive web application takes advantage of the latest technologies to combine the best of web and mobile apps such as speed and offline usage, without downloading anything. App-store distribution is not an obstacle with PWA as it is in native apps. PWA acts and feel like an app by its design but in real its base is webpage.
There are certain criteria for an application to be progressive. Below are some important features of a progress application:
Progressive – It should not be restricted to any browser and must work for any sort of user or device. It should be progressive in terms of enhancing communication with browsers and devices.
Responsive – Usually a PWA’s user interface must fit any type of form factor, desktop, mobile, tablet, or next generation device.
Connectivity independent – Loaded with latest technology of service workers to work when you are offline or anywhere having low quality networks.
App-like – With minimal page refreshes, a progressive web app should also look like a native app and use the app-shell model to provide app-style navigation and interactions.
Fresh – Service worker update process must be available to make an app always up to date with the latest content which is published recently.
Safe – Security is the most vital element for any website now a days. PWA hosted over HTTPS to prevent any security breach or attack. It prevents snooping and ensure not make anyone to temper with the content.
Discoverable – As PWA is actually a website, so it is discoverable in search engines and give it an upper hand over the native apps which are not easy optimize in searchability. Also, W3C manifests and service worker registration scope allows search engines to find them.
Re-engageable – People like instant notification and updates on applications they use. So, PWA also provide the re-engagement with ease through features like push notifications.
Installable – PWA apps can be installed on the device home screen so that it should be handy for a user to access it on the priority bases.
Linkable – Another important characteristic of PWA inherited from website. URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) should be used by the well-designed website to indicate the current state of application. This will enable the web app to retain or reload its state when the user bookmarks or shares the app’s URL.
What is the future of Progressive Web applications?
The research organization Gartner have predicted that around 20% of all existing brands will left their native apps by 2019 and will adapt Progressive Web Apps. Progressive Web Apps allow web developers to deliver web-based applications that out-perform Native web applications. PWAs bring features we expect from native apps to the mobile browser experience. With a PWA, your users always have the latest version of your app. You never have to disturb them with updates. You can do continuous deployments to bring new features and fixes instantly.
There are many top companies that have made the switch to Progressive Web Apps like:
- Alibaba
- Fandango
- Flipkart
- Forbes
- Jumia Travel
- Lancôme
- Ola
- Virgin America
- The Washington Post
So, don’t think much and plan to make a quick switch with WDMtech, a web and mobile application development company, is very active and prolific in adapting any upcoming future technology. With strong training and management system, as a team of experts, it is already started delivering projects on PWAs. To own a PWA application visit www.wdmtech.com and play your part in progressive technological advancement.