Progressive Web Apps

What are PWA's?

There is buzz that Progressive Web Apps could eventually be the new standard for the future of mobile apps. PWA's use web capabilities to develop app-like user experiences. These applications take advantage of both web and mobile features.

No matter which browser you use, PWA's work! This is because of "Progressive Enhancement". These applications give you a native like user experience, with NO APP STORE download. Simply navigate to the url, and add the app to your homescreen.

How are PWA's possible?

Progressive Web Apps use service workers. Get familiar with that term. Service worker cache allow users to use the application offline, just as a mobile app. They also allow push notifications, background sync, and more.

PWA's also use a 'web app manifest', which is a simple json file that tells the browser about your application. Ex: It allows PWA's to have a mobile app icon logo to add to home screen, similar to what you submit to an app store.

Why should I develop/ use a PWA?

Whether you are on a startup development team, or want to save money on paying app developers, PWA's save massive time and budget during the development lifecycle. You can simply use web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc) and you also do not need multiple teams for apple & android.

Also, you do not need to worry about submitting (and getting denied) from app stores. All of these things save massive time, money, and allow mvps and products to be developed with lightning speed.

Examples

Check out all of the different PWA Examples over at APPSCO.PE

Mobile: Once navigating to the PWA's url of your choosing, click the "share" button and scroll down to see "Add to home screen"

Desktop: On desktop, you may get a prompt to add to your desktop's screen, or you should see a "plus symbol" in the browsers url bar.