Progressive web apps: what is it? Easily explained

Progressive web apps are the app model of the future. You can find out exactly what the term is and how these apps work in this article.

What are progressive web apps?

• The term "progressive" comes from Latin and means "progressive" or "progressive". Progressive web apps are advanced apps that have numerous advantages over natural apps.
• HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript can be used for the implementation.
• The idea behind progressive web apps is as follows: Apps should no longer be installed from the store in the future, but via the Internet browser, since this is available on every device anyway.
• The Washington Post, Flipkart, the family portal netmoms and Booking.com already have the first successful PWAs on the market. The Indian online shop Flipkart is a prime example, which was able to achieve a conversion rate increase of 70% and a triple time on the website with the PWA. The conversion rate refers to the number of users who came to the website as interested parties and "converted" into customers. Other examples of PWAs are Google I / O, Get Kana !, Air Horner, Expense Manager or QR Code Scanner.
• Progressive web apps are not yet supported by all browsers. Chrome and Firefox are already fully compatible, there are positive signals from Safari, Opera and Edge.

This is how progressive web apps work

• A progressive web app - PWA for short - is started by entering the corresponding URL in the browser. The web server receives the request and passes it on to the PWA, which then generates the HTML source code of a website.
• This website is adapted to the end device due to the responsive design. Although the PWA is accessed via a URL, you can drag the icon onto your homescreen and use the app offline.

Service worker - an important part of progressive web apps

• Service workers are run by websites in the background and are primarily used for caching, i.e. for temporarily storing information for offline use. Once the information has been called up online, it can be used again and again, even if the end device is currently offline.
• Service workers must be specially programmed, registered in JavaScript and installed. Since service workers need HTTPS, every PWA also runs with HTTPS. Service workers are also provided by various frameworks, so they do not necessarily have to be developed in-house.

Special features of progressive web apps

Despite the way it works as a website, PWAs provide a number of special functions that are already known from normal apps:

• Add-to homescreen: When you open a PWA and drag it onto its homescreen, an icon corresponding to this app is displayed. Clicking on that opens the PWA and - as already mentioned - can also be used offline.
• Push notifications: Holders of a PWA can hereby refer to discounts, events and other things.
• Offline functionality: Offline availability is ensured by means of caching. This is an important aspect, especially for users with poor internet connections.
• No installation: Progressive web apps do not have to be installed, which saves a lot of storage space. The mental hurdle to installing an app is also much higher than just opening a website and creating an icon. Since PWAs do not have to be installed, the operators are also independent of app stores, which shares would be collected for marketing.

In the next practical tip you will find out what you need Java for.