A website that can be accessed from mobile devices through browsers can be used as a mobile application thanks to the Progressive Web App. Neither exactly a website nor a mobile application; however, it can maximize the user experience.
This application, which enables websites to be run offline, recommends adding a shortcut to users when first visited. If the user adds a shortcut, an icon appears on the home screen of the mobile device, and it is sufficient to click that icon to connect to the application, more precisely to access the application-looking website. It is accepted that these designs, whose essence remains a web site but create a mobile application effect, will guide the future due to their fast, functional and secure nature.
What is Progressive Web App (PWA)?
Progressive Web App; It is a term used to refer to a new software development methodology. Unlike traditional applications, the main purpose of this technology, which enables normal websites or web pages to be used as a mobile application after opening in the browser, combines the ease of accessing websites with the mobile application user experience.
We can give the example of WhatsApp to better explain how PWA works. Even if there is no internet connection on your mobile phone, you can open the Whatsapp application and check the past messages. Once you have access to the internet connection, you can access new incoming messages. If WhatsApp were not an application but a browser-accessible site and the way it works remained the same, we could say it was a successful PWA adaptation. Because PWA technology; makes it possible to use websites exactly this way!
PWA sites are opened from browsers, can be viewed even if there is no internet connection, and synchronized with the updates on the website when internet connection is available. Thus, the best features of websites and the best features of mobile applications come together in PWA sites.
What are the Advantages of Progressive Web App?
The popularity of PWA sites in recent years is no doubt no coincidence. We can summarize the advantages of PWA, considered as an advanced combination of mobile applications and websites.
Less Costly Compared to Applications: PWA offers a less costly option for those who want to make mobile applications to access mobile users; offers the chance to kill two birds with one stone.
Viewable on All Devices: Combining the best features of desktop applications, mobile applications and websites, PWA sites can be viewed on smart devices, desktop computers and laptops. Since it can be used as a mobile application on all devices, it provides an appeal to a wider audience and increases the user experience.
Used Without Downloading: PWA sites do not need to be downloaded, even if it looks and can be used as a mobile application; opens from browsers like a standard website; Upon the visitor's request, a shortcut button is added to the main screen of the devices. Moreover, it does not need an internet connection to be used again!
Fast and Easy to Update: In order for a mobile application to be published, it must go through extensive control processes and obtain approval. Updates are also submitted for approval first, and users have to take extra action to take advantage of the updates. PWA sites do not require approval to go live, updates can be made quickly and made available to users.
Can Work Offline: While an ordinary website cannot be loaded when there is no internet connection or weakness, PWA does not interfere with internet interruptions. Using cached data from previous online activities, these sites can also be used offline.
Users Can Be Notified: PWA sites can send notifications to their users like mobile applications. Thus, the need for customer retention can be met, one of the biggest advantages of mobile applications.
