Progressive Web Application(PWA) is not one of the latest technology introduced in 2020. At the same, it can’t be placed on the list of outdated technology also. Do you ever opened any of the websites like Trivago, Flipkart, Uber, Telegram, Twitter, OLX, etc… on any web browser by typing its URL and you still say that you don’t know what is Progressive Web Application. If yes, then what you have opened on your web browser is a PWA. More facts regarding PWA is discussed in the following sections.
What is Progressive Web Application?
The progressive web application is a software application having features of both website and native app. Similar to a website, a PWA can be opened on any standard browser by typing its URL and it will be indexed in the search engine ranking. At the same time, it provides app-like features and is installable. The frontend of this web application with app-like features is developed using common technologies like HTML, CSS, and Javascript.
While considering the history of PWA, the one who introduced the concept of Progressive web application was Steve Jobs. This idea was introduced along with the iPhone launch in 2007. After few years, the Chrome developer Alex Russel and designer Frances Berriman put forward the term “progressive web application”. After this, many companies started to develop progressive web applications to increase customer reach.
The technical components required for PWA are service worker, manifest.json, and HTTPS. Among this, the service worker is a javascript code that allows the PWA to work offline by storing HTML files, CSS files and images in the browser cache during initial loading. It acts as a proxy between the browser and the network. Also, the speed of the web application can be improved with PWA. background syncing and receiving push notification are other functions of PWA. The next is the manifest.json file and it usually contains details of the application that include the theme, icons, background color, etc… The last one is HTTPS and it relates to security. It is necessary for the PWA to use the secure HTTPS protocol to eliminate different cyberattacks.
Features of Progressive Web Applications
PWA is neither a native app nor a common web page. It contains features and functionalities of both. Check the points below.
Progressive: The features of PWA are available in most of the devices with browser support and it will progressively enhance. It can be operated by entering the URL address.
Fast Loading: Web pages with more images, scripts, and other factors will reduce the speed of page loading. With PWA, this problem can be minimized to a greater extend by browser caching.
Discoverable: The audience reach for native mobile apps is limited. PWA’s will be automatically ranked on the search engine just like web pages.
Responsive: The responsive feature of PWA makes it fit perfectly on any device like desktop, mobile, iPhone, iPad, etc…
Shareable: Each and every page in the PWA will be having a unique URL and it can be shared easily.
Offline-mode: The offline feature makes it possible to open PWA when there are any network connectivity issues. It is possible only after the first time page loading.
Engaging: Splash screen, push notifications, home screen icon, full-screen, etc… are the features of PWA that make user engaging.
Installable: Just like native apps, PWA can be added to the home screen when required. Once, if it is added to the home screen then it can be easily accessed with a single click.
