How Does a Progressive Web App Differ from Native Apps?

A progressive app is application software that behaves and looks as if it is a mobile app. The progressive web app can be easily located and accessed with a search engine query through a browser. The goal of a progressive web app agency is to focus on providing you with the best possible service.

Do you know the differences between progressive web apps and native apps?

To determine whether PWA is right for your business or not you need to know the difference first. However, progressive web apps were coined by Google Chrome engineers, Alex Russell and Frances Berriman, in 2015. 

What are the differences- Native apps vs progressive Web Apps?

Optimizing and designing native apps can be customized for different platforms. Native apps quickly respond and provide an overall good experience to the user. 

At the same time, native apps are highly secure with primary access to hardware and device software. It works seamlessly with other features. Native apps tend to have fewer bugs as it is the first one to receive an update from the operating system. Native apps can also function offline.

But regarding installation, maintenance, and development of native apps, it falls short of progressive web apps. Time-consuming and development cost is high in native apps as the programming is complicated.

The users spend a lot of time installing or downloading native apps on their devices. On the other hand, progressive web apps are quick to load and smaller. Progressive web app development company helps to make quick loading, and save time. It is popular among E-Commerce businesses.

Why are developers more interested in PWA?

The Components of PWA Studio are responsible for choosing  PWA over other Native Apps by the developers. The components of PWA studio comprise Magento PWA Studio. A set of libraries and tools of Magento PWA Studio help progressive web app developers and businesses to develop progressive web apps.

There are different libraries and tools of Magento PWA studio-

• Demo backend and storefront

The package of backend and storefront provides a template for the Studio project of PWA. 

• Build tools

This package contains the development and building tools with several features like configuration, management, setup tools, etc.

• Component and custom react hook

This package consists of components and customs for the PWA studio project. Progressive web apps also leverage the browser and API to ensure the maintenance and deployment of a website. 

The standard technologies of progressive web apps are accessible and secure to everyone present on the web. The user can send push notifications and also can work offline. 

Benefits of progressive web apps

Progressive web apps have better performance and high security. 

• Easy to install

Progressive web apps are not bogged down in the installation process. Instead of going through the purchase steps in different app stores, the users can easily access the desired content.

• Easily shareable

It is possible to index progressive web apps easily on the websites tied to a live URL. You can easily share the content across the devices that allow you to reach a border audience. Because PWA is a lining cable and shareable it doesn’t require any complex installation.

• Instant update

PWA is always updated as long as they are connected to the internet. You do not need to download or install the latest version. However, PWA instantly refreshes the new content without bothering the user to click on anything?

• Cheaper to build

The native app development costs more because the process is separate and more complex. You can build the progressive web app only once as it is compatible with most platforms and browsers. The single code base reduces and simplifies the development costs. However, maintenance is also cheaper on progressive web apps in comparison to native apps.

• Responsive design

PWA’s responsive design means that the apps are capable of running on many devices, tablets, laptops, and desktops. For example, progressive web apps are also available on Microsoft Windows as well as on Google pixel phones. But the native app which is built especially for iPhones cannot run on Android.

• Discoverable beyond stores

To find progressive web applications you don’t need to go to any Store. Using the search engine, you can find progressive web apps. Even Google provides a list of best practices to make your progressive web apps indexable. 

• Cost-effective solutions

Comparing native apps and progressive web apps it is seen that native apps are the costlier. But a progressive web app is built only once and is compatible with most platforms and browsers. The single code base reduces and also simplifies the development cost. 

Final Words

Do you think that progressive web apps are the best for future e-commerce? In this blog, you have read how progressive web apps make their way into the e-commerce industry and stay for a long period. However, many businesses have already started using progressive web app development services in e-commerce despite using native apps.