Web apps have become a pretty hot topic in recent times. With their lucrative benefits, entrepreneurs have started leveraging them to solve their complex business problems. However, the advent of Progressive Web Apps (PWA) has created a PWA vs web apps dilemma leaving entrepreneurs in total confusion. Moreover, there are many similarities between web apps and progressive web apps, but some differences also exist. This blog post aims to unravel the differences between a PWA development over web app. Also, it helps you decide whether you should opt for a web app or progressive web app development service.
Let’s dive into the details.
PWA vs. Web App: A Brief Description
A Progressive Web App (PWA) is fundamentally a website with the look and functionalities of a native app. In a nutshell, you can use a PWA on your mobile device just like you do any native app. It provides the same kind of user interface and feel as you get with a native app. They don’t require a distinct app store and function with poor network connections, even offline. Many companies have ditched their native apps in favor of PWAs, including Pinterest, The Washington Post, and Twitter. Many businesses have benefited from the use of PWAs by making similar shifts.
A web application refers to a responsive website that can be accessed from a desktop or mobile device. Though these web apps offer similar user experiences, the PWAs go the extra mile with a more app-like experience. You can take examples of GitHub, Dropbox, etc. It lacks non-native functionalities like push notifications that you can, fortunately, find on a PWA.
The following differences state the reasons why you should prefer a PWA development over web app.
PWA vs. Web App: Key Differences
There are numerous differences between a web app and a PWA that can influence your decision between PWA vs. Web Apps. Check out the key differences below for a clear division between these two web development solutions.
Installation
An excellent benefit of PWA development is that you can create an app-like solution that is installable on mobiles and desktops. Indeed, users get a clickable home screen icon on their devices just like a native app. On the other hand, this functionality is absent in the case of web apps.
Also read – Web App Vs Progressive Web App
Security
PWAs are well protected with the use of HTTPS and served via the web. If you choose the right PWA development company, it can ensure additional protection by integrating more robust security features. A web app can be as secure as a PWA, but there is no compulsion for secure protocols.
Loading speed
Thanks to an app shell, progressive web apps are as fast as native apps. After the first load, the PWAs content is cached on a user’s device, which makes it a fast-loading web development solution. On the contrary, data processing and loading will take much more time in the case of a web application.
Adaptability
A progressive web app is independent of any platform, so you can find consistent experience on different devices. Hence, progressive web app development is a cost-effective option. Nevertheless, you need multiple codebases for various devices to make your web app render the same experience on different devices.
Push notifications
A PWA prompts a user to enable push notifications as soon as a PWA is launched. However, this functionality is not available with a web application.
Final note
Whether you want to build a PWA or a web app, it depends on your business requirements and which one fits your needs better. However, a progressive web app is a preferred option if you need a web development solution with fast speed, better user experience, and easy access.
Also read – How To Identify An Experienced Web Development Company?
