What Is a Progressive Web App? PWA Explained Simply

Gerrit Meyer
Nov 23, 2024

Many companies are familiar with the problem: time tracking or reporting work hours are time-consuming tasks that are often done manually. This not only wastes time but also increases the risk of errors. While there are digital solutions, they are typically neither user-friendly nor optimized for mobile devices.

This is where the use of an app that also works on mobile devices can help. Time tracking is just one example—there are many other processes where using an app could make sense.

Now the question arises: is a native app or a Progressive Web App (PWA) the better choice? In this article, we explain what a PWA is, what advantages it offers, and how you can find the optimal solution for your business.

What are Progressive Web Apps?

What is a PWA? A Progressive Web App looks like a website but includes features of native apps, such as push notifications or offline usable content. It is considered a hybrid between a browser-accessible responsive website and a native app, specifically designed for the hardware and software of its respective target platform.

Progressive Web App vs. “classic” web app

A Progressive Web App can do things that a classic web app cannot. Both are accessible via a browser. However, the PWA is installed on the device and can be offered in app stores, while the web app cannot be installed.

Progressive Web App vs. website

A website runs in the browser and ideally adjusts to the screen size of the device. A PWA is also web-based but can be downloaded, used offline, and interacts more with the device. Essentially, a PWA is a website that functions like an app.

Progressive Web App vs. native app

Native App und Progressive Web App A native app and a Progressive Web App share some features, such as being accessible via a home screen icon. However, a native app is bound to the hardware and software of a specific target platform, while a Progressive Web App is an installable website that is not tied to any particular software or hardware.

Many benefits: Numerous reasons to choose a PWA

We've clarified what a Progressive Web App is. But why might it make sense to opt for a PWA? Essentially, it combines all the positive aspects of both a native app and a website. Here are a few examples of the potential benefits of a Progressive Web App:

  • Cross-platform: Unlike native apps, Progressive Web Apps are compatible with all kinds of platforms and browsers.

  • Easy installation: Unlike a website, you can install a PWA and always have direct access.

  • Offline functionality: The features of a Progressive Web App remain usable even with poor connectivity or no network coverage, as long as this feature is implemented.

  • Cost-effective: Compared to native apps, Progressive Web Apps are cheaper to develop and maintain. The PWA, being a widely used web technology, has the advantage of only needing one version to maintain, rather than separate versions for iOS and Android.

  • Search engine-friendly: Unlike native apps, Progressive Web Apps can be indexed by search engines.

  • Easy sharing: You can easily share Progressive Web Apps via a URL or QR code.

  • Notifications: A Progressive Web App can send push notifications to the respective device, something that is not possible with a website.

Weaknesses and difficulties: Are there any downsides?

Progressive Web Apps offer many advantages, but – as with anything – there are also a few drawbacks. Whether these are relevant for you depends on your specific use case. Here are some points you should keep in mind when considering Progressive Web Apps:

  • Insecure browsers can lead to security risks when downloading Progressive Web Apps. However, using a standard browser on company devices significantly reduces this risk.

  • User experience and design features can be somewhat limited in Progressive Web Apps. It's important to consider your design and usage expectations before creating a PWA. For industrial or more functional purposes, these aspects may be less critical.

  • Access to the native features of the device’s hardware may be restricted for a Progressive Web App. This means it can't always make full use of the technical capabilities of, for example, a smartphone. For a glimpse of what's possible today, check out this PWA project.

  • In terms of performance, a native app may outperform a Progressive Web App when dealing with memory- and processor-intensive applications. If in doubt, you should evaluate how intensive your planned app will be.

The PWA developer community was shaken when Apple announced it would no longer support PWAs in Europe for security reasons. Fortunately, this decision was quickly reversed, and PWAs can still be used on iPhones without needing installation via the Apple App Store.

Good to know: How PWAs work & their key features

In addition to the advantages and challenges, understanding the technical background of PWAs is essential for a full overview. Key terms here include Service Worker, Application Shell, and Web App Manifest. Here's what they mean.

The Service Worker is, simply put, a program on the device that acts as a proxy between the web application and the network. It manages smart caching to ensure content is available offline and handles background updates as well as push notifications.

The Web App Manifest is a JSON file containing all the information about the Progressive Web App and its features. It serves as a guide for the device, specifying details such as how the PWA is installed on the home screen, how the app should launch, and what the user interface should look like.

The Application Shell is the basic structure (built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) that creates a responsive user interface. It separates the app's content from its core infrastructure, contributing to a smooth user experience with fast load times, especially during repeat visits.

PWA in practice: Example & use case from real estate industry

The possibilities for PWAs range from business to consumer applications. Our low-code platform, Heisenware, is particularly suited for low-code app development of internal business solutions. To make the practical side of Progressive Web Apps more tangible, here's an example of a real PWA use case:

One of our clients specializes in brokering real estate as an investment. Previously, potential buyers had to manually fill out forms, scan salary slips, and email them to the real estate sales team.

Now, thanks to a visually programmed PWA, all data can be digitally captured, signed, and the smartphone camera acts as a scanner for paper documents.

This is convenient for buyers, and the real estate sales team benefits from significantly higher response rates and an accelerated qualification process.

Why does a Progressive Web App make sense here?

  • The customers use a wide variety of devices, from Android smartphones to Macs – the PWA can be opened and installed on any device and allows users to switch between different devices.

  • The PWA can access the smartphone camera via interfaces, transforming it into a scanner, and it can send push notifications as reminders.

  • Additionally, the PWA is permanently installed, offers a direct channel to the customer, and can potentially be used for other applications as well.

Smart all-rounder: What a Progressive Web App is & its potential

We would define a Progressive Web App like this: a PWA is a technically versatile yet easily accessible application that suits both business and consumer use cases.

Its offline functionality and platform independence make it an all-rounder that we believe has significant growth potential. Want to know if a low-code-based PWA could be the right fit for your company? We look forward to hearing from you!