PWA applications as an alternative to native applications

Are PWA applications better than native applications?

In terms of functionality, PWA applications are significantly different from what are – well known to users – native applications. And although the difference between a classically understood data collection and Progressive Web App is seemingly negligible, it dramatically affects the functionality and essence of what the application is.

What is a PWA type application?

Progressive Web App is – in a nutshell – a tool that saves directly to the memory of both mobile and stationary devices. Thanks to this, it is possible to open it later without the need to reconnect to the network. In a nutshell – the user can use the data found on the website offline, while retaining the full functionality of the service.

However, it should be remembered that the functionality of a PWA application is mainly due to its responsiveness. After all, the device to which the content is downloaded can work under the control of any operating system. And that is why you can open this application both on the Windows platform, as well as Linux or… iOS.

The most important benefits of PWA

There are quite a few benefits of using a PWA application. First of all – the user can use the WWW resources without having to maintain a constant connection to the Network. Thanks to this, he can browse the content of pages for example on a train, bus or while driving a car (of course as a driver). Secondly, they work under any operating system, regardless of whether it is a computer or a mobile device. The user will also appreciate the fact that the loading time of these applications is reduced to an absolute minimum. Moreover, they do not require as much action on the part of the user, and their operation is much simpler.

Native and PWA applications – the basic differences

Taking into account the functionality of native and PWA applications, the latter has a significant advantage over the former. It consists mainly in:

• Reduction of the user’s activities to a minimum, as he does not have to download the application himself, nor update it
• High functionality, because they can work just like the application and from the level of a standard web browser
• High level of intuitiveness and ease of use
• Reduction of activities related to the implementation of the tool
• Improved responsiveness – switching between links is much easier and faster than in the case of mobile (native) tools
• The ability to move the application to the home screen, so the user can connect to application resources at any time (also offline)

Besides – from the user’s point of view – PWA applications can support secure HTTPS connections. In fact, it is a regular web tool. However, the user may have the impression that he is dealing with a classic mobile application, because it retains its full functionality in offline mode.

PWA – benefits from the perspective of the content provider

The innovative PWA application is – from the vendor’s point of view – a fully functional platform, the potential of which can be exploited by both real market giants and startups. Available analyses indicate that this tool supports conversion, which increases interest in the presented offer. What’s more, using a PWA significantly lowers the rejection rate, and thus increases the likelihood of reaching the target customer with the offer. What’s more – making PWA applications available to end-users is also possible including consumer data management, as well as the implementation of online orders and a dedicated loyalty program.

To sum up, PWA applications are the future when it comes to conscious and unlimited use of the World Wide Web resources. Continuous access to content, the ability to manage data offline, and minimal response time are the most important advantages of this platform.