If your business needs an app, you’re probably wondering how best to approach building it. We live in a time when there are so many readily available technologies to build all sorts of applications, that wading through the various choices can be time-consuming and difficult. And if the wrong decision is made, it might negatively affect the app and its effectiveness through-out the lifecycle of the project.
Without diving deeply into specific programming languages, hosting spaces and other concerns, it is important to understand that there are two specific frameworks that can be used to build apps currently.
An app (short for “application”) is a software program that is designed to perform a specific task on a computer or mobile device. It is typically downloaded from an app store and installed directly onto the user’s device. Apps can be developed for a specific operating system, such as iOS or Android, and can take advantage of the native features and capabilities of the device.
A Progressive Web App (PWA), on the other hand, is a type of web application that is designed to look and feel like a native app but is accessed through a web browser rather than being downloaded from an app store. PWAs use modern web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to provide a fast and responsive experience for users, regardless of the device they’re using. PWAs can also be added to the user’s home screen for quick and easy access.
It’s important to know the key differences and benefits for each approach before you start developing and significantly investing in an app.
The benefits of a PWA
- Cross-platform compatibility: PWAs work across all devices and platforms, including desktop, mobile, and tablets. With a single codebase, developers can build one app that works on all platforms, while native apps require different codebases for different platforms.
- Lower development cost: Because PWA development requires only one codebase, it can be less expensive to develop than a native app. Native apps require separate development teams and codebases for each platform, increasing development costs.
- Easier updates: PWA updates happen automatically in the background, unlike native apps that require manual updates through app stores. PWAs also do not require the user to download a new version of the app each time an update is available.
- Better user experience: PWAs can provide an excellent user experience, with fast loading times, smooth navigation and seamless transitions. They can also be used offline, providing users with a consistent experience even when there is no internet connection.
- Improved discoverability: PWAs are indexed by search engines, making them more discoverable than native apps, which are only accessible through app stores. This can lead to better search engine rankings and more visibility for the app.
The benefits of a native app
- Better performance: Native apps are designed to run natively on specific devices, which means they can take advantage of the device’s hardware and software capabilities. This results in faster and more responsive performance compared to PWAs, which run on a browser and have limited access to device-specific features.
- More device features: Native apps can access more device-specific features, such as camera, microphone, GPS and contacts. This can be important for apps that require access to these features to provide specific functionality.
- Offline functionality: While PWAs can work offline, they require some degree of network connectivity to function. Native apps can store data and content locally, allowing them to work even when there is no network connectivity.
- Better user experience: Native apps can provide a more immersive user experience, with animations, transitions and other native design elements. This can make the app feel more polished and professional when compared to PWAs.
- App store exposure: Native apps are available on app stores, which provide a platform for users to discover and download the app. This can increase the app’s visibility and help it reach a larger audience.
The choice between PWA and native app development will always depend on the specific needs and goals of the business and the project at hand. As always, one should spend as much time up front planning how the app will go about providing value to users and achieving its goals.
By taking into account things like development time, costs, requirements and so forth, you can make an informed decision. We hope the information we’ve supplied will help you make that decision.
If you do have an app idea and need a hand in planning, building, designing and deploying it, we’d love to hear from you! Stratitude has built many PWAs and it has fast become a stable in our technology suite. We’d be happy to support you in any way we can.