Introduction:
The way people relate with the internet has changed so much recently.. In current times, mobile and other portable gadgets are becoming more popularly used to access online services. However, it is costly to develop mobile apps which must be installed before they can be used thus limiting their use. From this problem has developed Progressive Web Applications (PWA), an approach to constructing web pages that marries the dependability/availability of the internet with the interactivity and functionality of phone applications..

What is PWA?
There are PWAs, which are web apps that try to mimic the feel of native applications for users. PWA uses fresh web technology to create a web-browser-like experience that can be accessed from browsers without downloading or installing extra software into it. In addition, PWA enables users to work offline, receive push notifications and access other device features like camera and microphone.

A PWA is a kind of website application employing modern internet technologies aimed at giving user an app-like feeling. These PWAs are created to work on any device regardless of its operating system or browser being used. Furthermore, they are built with speed and reliability in mind; they should be responsive even when there is connectivity to a slow network.

However with PWA it can be installed on the user’s device like a native app without having to download from an app store. This allows them to be launched from a user’s home screen and give them an immersive feel like a native app. All this has been made possible by services workers which is technology that enables PWAs work offline thus loading fast even in slow networks.

Contrarily, web applications refer to software applications accessible over the internet through a web browser. Web applications range from simple static websites to complex enterprise-level systems. A variety of programming languages and frameworks can be used in web application development and accessed on different devices and operating systems.

PWAs are meant to offer an experience akin to that of a native app in contrast with web apps that merely seek to deliver internet-based functionality through a web browser. They are also mobile friendly having responsive designs that work well on different screen sizes and resolutions. Other than being able to access offline content, PWAs can do other things like receive push notifications which usually belong to native apps.

The following are the advantages of PWA:

  1. Quick loading speed: PWAs are meant to be fast and light, so they load quickly and offer smooth user experience.
  2. Consistent performance: PWA can work offline, this implies that even when users are in areas where there is no internet connection they can still access the app.
  3. Simple install: Just a few clicks and a PWA will be installed onto user’s device without going through the process of having it downloaded from an app store.
  4. Enhanced user engagement: Push notifications can be provided by PWAs to increase user involvement and retention.
  5. Cheap: They cost less to develop than native apps as PWAs don’t require different versions for different platforms
  6. No app store restrictions: As compared to native apps on app stores, PWAs have more flexibility and adaptability because they do not operate under similar restrictions.
  7. Better SEO: Search engines index PWAs which means your website’s search engine ranking may improve as well.

Examples of PWA:

  1. Twitter: Twitter has developed a progressive web app that provides fast, reliable and notifications via push offline access.
  2. Pinterest: Pinterest on its part, also unveiled a PWA that is fast, reliable and appealing with offline access to save content.
  3. Starbucks: The latest PWA from Starbucks enables customers to order and pay through a user-friendly interface.
  4. Uber: Users can book rides faster than ever by using the Uber PWA which is reliable even when it is offline or in an alternative case even if the app is already closed users will still be able to receive their notification messages.
  5. Flipkart: Among other e-commerce platforms of India, Flipkart’s pwa has some of the fastest load speeds, works smoothly offline, and provides different features for various devices.
  6. Trivago: Even when users are not connected; they can still search for hotels quickly using trivago pwa as well as save searches and get notified on price drops.

PWA is the new thing in web development; it’s faster, reliable and great for user experience and engagement. They are a combination of the best things about conventional web pages and mobile apps. The relevance of PWAs to businesses in this age cannot be overemphasized especially when it comes to customer interaction. Should you consider building a website app, then PWAs could be an option worth considering as they enhance user experience and drive interaction.

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