Progressive Web Apps – Benefits, Components and How it Works?

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) have become a major talking point in today’s technology landscape. If asked to open Google Maps on your phone, would you prefer the native app or the browser? Most people would choose the native app. This preference highlights the significant amount of time users spend on native apps compared to the web—87% on native apps versus just 13% on mobile web apps.

Progressive Web App

A Progressive Web App is a website that offers the experience of a native mobile app. Like any website, it has a unique URL, but it can also function as a native application on your mobile device.

Big names like Instagram, Pinterest, and Uber have already adopted this technology, showcasing its growing importance. So, lets talk about what is progressive web app and how its work?

What is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is an application software delivered through the web, built using common web technologies including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It is intended to work on any platform that uses a standards-compliant browser, including both desktop and mobile devices.

The key characteristic of a PWA is that it provides a native app-like experience directly from the browser. It combines the best of web and mobile apps, offering functionalities like offline access, push notifications, and device hardware access, previously only available to native apps.

Benefits of Progressive Web Apps

PWAs offer numerous advantages, providing a mobile-like experience while retaining the benefits of a website. Here are some key benefits:

1. Offline Usability

PWAs can be used offline, much like how you can read WhatsApp messages without an internet connection. You can read previous messages and type replies, which will be sent once you’re back online. Similarly, PWAs allow you to access content offline after the initial load.

2. Page Loading Speed

PWAs load faster than traditional websites by leveraging modern caching methods. Faster loading times improve user engagement, with studies showing that 53% of users abandon a website if it takes longer than three seconds to load. PWAs thus have lower bounce rates.

3. Installable

Like native apps, PWAs can be installed on your device. They appear on the home screen and are indistinguishable from native apps, providing quick access with a single click.

4. Automatic Background Sync

Unlike native apps, PWAs do not require manual updates. Any updates made to the website are automatically synced with the PWA, ensuring you always have the latest features with a simple refresh.

5. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Since PWAs are essentially websites, they can leverage SEO techniques to reach a wider audience, enhancing visibility and engagement.

6. Platform Independence

PWAs run on any browser, making them platform-independent. Unlike native apps that are restricted to specific operating systems like Android or iOS, PWAs can be accessed from any device.

Components of a Progressive Web App

Three main components transform a website into a Progressive Web App:

1. Service Worker

A Service Worker is a JavaScript file that acts as a proxy between the browser and the network. It enables offline functionality and improves performance through efficient caching. Service Workers run in the background, independent of the web page, allowing them to intercept network requests, cache or retrieve resources from the cache, and deliver push notifications. They enhance the reliability and performance of PWAs by managing network requests and providing offline access.

2. Web App Manifest

The Web App Manifest is a JSON file that provides the browser with information about your web application. This file includes details like the app’s name, icons, theme colors, and start URL. The manifest file enables the PWA to be installed on the device’s home screen and defines how it should appear to users. It allows developers to customize the app’s appearance and behavior, ensuring a native-like experience.

3. HTTPS

PWAs require a secure protocol (HTTPS) because Service Workers can intercept network requests and modify responses, ensuring secure and reliable functionality. HTTPS ensures that all communications between the browser and the server are encrypted, protecting user data and enhancing security. It is a fundamental requirement for implementing Service Workers and other advanced features of PWAs.

How Does a Progressive Web App Work?

PWAs combine the best features of web and mobile apps to deliver a seamless user experience. Here is a detailed look at how PWAs work:

1. Initial Load and Installation

When a user first visits a PWA-enabled website, the site loads like any other website. However, the presence of a Web App Manifest allows the user to install the app onto their device’s home screen.

This installation process does not involve downloading a large file from an app store; instead, it adds a shortcut to the home screen and caches essential resources for offline use.

2. Caching and Offline Functionality

Service Workers play a crucial role in enabling offline functionality. During the initial visit, the Service Worker is registered and installed in the background. It pre-caches key resources like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and images.

When the user revisits the site or interacts with the PWA offline, the Service Worker serves the cached resources, ensuring fast load times and offline access.

3. Handling Network Requests

Service Workers intercept network requests made by the PWA. They determine whether to serve a cached version of the resource or fetch it from the network.

This approach enhances performance by reducing reliance on network connectivity and improving load times. If the network is available, the Service Worker can update the cache with the latest version of the resources.

4. Push Notifications and Background Sync

PWAs can send push notifications to re-engage users and provide timely updates. Service Workers handle these notifications, even when the PWA is not actively running.

Additionally, PWAs can perform background synchronization, ensuring that user actions taken offline are synchronized with the server once the network is available. This feature enhances user experience by providing seamless interaction regardless of connectivity.

Conclusion

Leading tech companies worldwide are embracing Progressive Web Apps, overcoming challenges like slow networks and optimizing user experiences, resulting in up to an 80% increase in conversion rates and improved SEO performance. PWAs bridge the gap between web and mobile apps, offering advanced functionalities and a superior user experience. While still evolving, PWAs have gained significant traction and are poised to become a key component of future web development.