Progressive Web Apps
PWAs offer responsive design that replicates native app development for websites and cross-platform apps. Some even claim PWAs could spell the end of mobile app stores.
There are several ways to develop platform-independent apps. For example, Progressive Web Apps (PWA). A PWA is a website in an app shell. In addition to offline functions, it also offers other features that were previously only found in native apps.
PWAs offer responsive design that replicates nativeapp developmentfor websites and cross-platformapps by using specific tools and technologies available for web browser APIs. A major advantage of progressive web apps is that you can publish them to the app stores and tap into better marketing opportunities for a broad user base. It requires knowledge of tools like Android Studio as well as practice in creating a TWA (Trusted Web Authority) and verifying the relationship between the website and the app. The entire publishing process canbe completed fairly quickly. With the extensive support they have and the advanced monetization options for creators, PWAscould even spell the end of mobile app stores. Remember, you don’t need to access an app store to install a PWA.
PWAs are written using HTML5 and Javascript. They are cheaper to develop than NativeApps because only one code is written for all platforms. But how does the website get its app coat? A so-called service worker ensures that the website remains available offline through certain caching functions and starts faster when called up. The service worker is a special component that allows a browser to execute scripts in the background. In its basic structure, the ProgressiveWeb App is therefore a website that carries a backpack. This backpack contains all the relevant information, based on HTML5 and JavaScript, and the target platforms. Only the information in the backpack makes the app fully functional – even offline. The browser of the mobile device, i.e. usually Chrome or Safari, provides numerous functions for PWAs via interfaces that were previously reserved for native apps. For example, access to the device’s camera is possible. So if your app needs a QR code scanner, there is a rich set of JavaScript libraries that contribute these functions. PWAs are added to the homescreen via the website of the respective provider. This way, you avoid the restrictions of the app stores, which may demand high commission rates.
Costs, effort, competences – app development needs to be well considered. Leave the decision to us, we will be happy to help you.