What Are Progressive Web Apps and Why Should I Care?

Linc is a Front-end Delivery Network, which is a hosting platform for Single Page Apps (SPA) and Progressive Web Apps (PWA). In this post, we will give a quick overview of what PWAs are and how they are different than regular websites.

Unlike other frameworks (e.g. Rails) - which generate HTML and CSS files server side then send them to the browser - libraries like React and Angular allow you to build progressive and responsive web pages that are rendered in the browser using JavaScript (JS). Instead of constructing a complete HTML document, you write a skeleton file of instructions and JavaScript creates the HTML in the browser as the page is loaded. So when you click on a link, instead of loading an entire new page, the JS locates the data required and re-renders the page, updating only those parts that have changed. This leads to much more of an app-like feel we are used to on our phones and tablets.

Progressive Web Apps are also able to offer offline functionality by leveraging service workers in modern web browsers. Service workers can cache not only static assets like JavaScript but also other network requests, allowing for a limited offline experience for users.

The addition of a manifest.json file allows greater flexibility and customisation of PWAs by accessing features that were previously only available in native applications. For example, as long as it meets PWA criteria, when a user is on a mobile browser they can be prompted to install the app on their home screen. In addition to these home screen icons, the manifest file offers a more immersive user experience by allowing you to define how the browser appears on mobile devices. You can customise various settings, such as choosing whether to display the app in full-screen mode, with minimal UI or changing the browser to a particular colour.

Regardless of whether or not your user is on a mobile device, you are also able to utilise push notifications (where supported). Push notifications are great for user engagement - something we go into more detail in the next section.

Building applications primarily in JS allows you to take advantage of a more extensive pool of developer talent and maintain fewer codebases. You also don’t have to go through the process of submitting to the app store, which allows you to release updates more quickly and regularly.

Native apps can often be upwards of tens, if not hundreds, of megabytes, while PWAs are usually only a few hundred kilobytes. An example of this is the Tinder PWA, 90% smaller than their native Android app and it cut load time by almost 40%.

With PWAs there is no need to search and download from the app store - this greatly reduces friction for users, and if they do choose to install the app it’s now a much smaller and quicker download. Since Pinterest completed the rebuild of their PWA, they have seen user engagement increase by 60%. Alibaba saw users re-engage four times more often with their PWA site when installed to user’s home screens.

As mentioned earlier, push notifications are available across multiple platforms - e.g. desktops, tablets and phones - offering businesses an easy and flexible way to re-engage with users that might have previously relied on email communication.

Progressive Web Apps are not just the next evolution of scripted websites enhanced with native app capabilities. They offer businesses a fantastic opportunity to streamline production by utilising and strengthening existing tools and applications. Through this users are provided with an improved experience leading to greater engagement.

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