EP 10: Progressive Web Apps(PWA) vs Native Apps: What are the benefits?

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Have you ever stumbled upon a website that suddenly felt like a fully-fledged app, complete with smooth animations, offline access, and push notifications? No downloads, no updates—just instant, seamless interaction. You might not have realized it, but you just experienced the magic of a Progressive Web App (PWA).

So, how do these PWAs compare to the Native Apps we download from the App Store or Google Play? Let’s explore more about it in this blog today.

Before moving further, let’s first understand what are PWAs and Native Apps

What are Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)?

Progressive Web Apps are web applications that combine the best features of both web and mobile apps. They are built using standard web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, but they behave like native apps on mobile devices.

PWAs are designed to be fast, reliable, and engaging, offering users an app-like experience directly from their web browsers without the need to download anything from an app store.

What Are Native Apps?

Native Apps are applications specifically designed and built for a particular operating system, such as iOS or Android. They are developed using platform-specific languages like Swift or Objective-C for iOS and Java or Kotlin for Android.

Native Apps are installed directly onto a user’s device via app stores, allowing them to access device features like the camera, GPS, and push notifications with greater ease and efficiency.

Characteristics of PWAs

• Discoverable: Can be found via search engines.

• Installable: Can be added to the device’s home screen.

• Linkable: Shareable via a URL.

• Network Independent: Operates offline or with poor network connectivity.

• Progressively Enhanced: Usable on older browsers.

• Re-engageable: Capable of sending notifications.

• Responsive: Works on any device and screen size.

• Secure: Ensures secure communication through HTTPS.

Core Architectural Enablers:

• Manifest File: A JSON file that defines how the PWA behaves when installed.

• Service Worker: A script that runs separately from the web page, handling network requests, caching, and offline functionality.

• HTTPS: Ensures secure communication between the user, the app, and the server.

• Modern JavaScript Frameworks: Tools like React, Vue, Next, and Nuxt are often used to build PWAs, providing the necessary tools to adhere to PWA principles.

To check: Click on the three vertical dots on top right corner of the screen, navigate to “More tools” then go for “Developer tools”. Go to the ”Application” tab and you will see the Manifest File and Service Worker.

Benefits of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

1. Cross-Platform Compatibility

   • One Codebase: PWAs run on any device with a web browser, reducing development time and costs.

   • Universal Access: They offer a consistent experience across smartphones, tablets, and desktops.

2. No App Store Dependencies

   • Instant Access: PWAs can be used directly from a URL, without app store downloads.

   • Avoid Fees: Developers bypass app store fees and restrictions.

3. Offline Functionality

   • Service Workers: PWAs cache content, enabling offline access and reducing data usage.

4. Faster Load Times

   • Optimized Performance: PWAs load quickly, even on slow networks, and are SEO-friendly.

5. Automatic Updates

   • No User Action Needed: PWAs update automatically in the background.

6. High Performance & Adoption

   • App-Like Experience: PWAs offer a seamless, app-like experience and are used by brands like Uber and Spotify.

Benefits of Native Apps

1. Full Access to Device Features

   • Advanced Capabilities: Native Apps fully utilize device features like the camera and GPS.

   • Better Integration: They offer deeper integration with the OS, including efficient push notifications.

2. Superior Performance

   • Optimized for the Platform: Native Apps deliver faster load times and smoother interactions.

   • Handles Heavy Tasks: They excel in resource-intensive tasks like gaming.

3. Enhanced User Experience

   • Tailored UI/UX: Native Apps follow platform-specific guidelines for a refined user experience.

   • Robust Offline Support: They provide comprehensive offline functionality.

4. Monetization & Trust

   • In-App Purchases: Native Apps have more effective monetization options.

   • App Store Validation: They build user trust through app store vetting, with reliable push notifications.

Which One Should You Choose?

The decision between a PWA and a Native App depends on your unique needs, resources, and goals.

Choose a PWA If:

• Cost-Effectiveness and Cross-Platform Reach: If you need a solution that works seamlessly across multiple platforms—without the high costs associated with developing separate apps for iOS, Android, and the web—PWAs are the way to go.
  
  For instance, Starbucks created a PWA that delivers a consistent experience across devices, allowing users to browse the menu and place orders even with poor connectivity.

• Broad Accessibility and Fast Load Times: PWAs are perfect for reaching a wide audience, especially in regions with slow internet connections.
  
  Pinterest saw a significant increase in engagement after launching their PWA, which loads quickly even on low-bandwidth networks.

• Ease of Maintenance and Updates: PWAs allow for easy maintenance and instant updates without the need for app store approvals.
  
  This is ideal for e-commerce platforms like AliExpress, which uses a PWA to ensure users always have the latest shopping experience without downloading frequent updates.

Choose a Native App If:

• Deep Integration with Device Hardware: If your app requires extensive use of device hardware—such as cameras, GPS, or accelerometers—native apps are often the better choice.
  
  For example, Snapchat relies on deep camera integration and augmented reality features that are best achieved through native development.

• Superior Performance and Complex Functionality: Native apps offer better performance, particularly for resource-intensive applications like games.
  
  Pokémon GO, for instance, leverages native app capabilities to deliver a smooth, responsive experience with real-time location tracking and AR features.

• Tailored User Experience: If your audience expects a highly polished and specific user experience, native apps may be more suitable.
  
  Instagram started as a native app to ensure a flawless user experience, which was crucial for its growth in the competitive social media landscape.

I hope this gives you a clear picture of Progressive Web Apps(PWA) vs Native Apps: What are the benefits? Great job on diving into these concepts—you're one step closer to becoming the software engineer you want to be!

Keep learning. You’ve got this!