Progressive web apps (PWAs) are a new direction in web development that combines the advantages of websites and native mobile apps. PWAs offer great potential for fast, reliable, and interactive web applications that work across devices. This article focuses on the key features of PWAs, their benefits, and the advantages for users and developers.

What are progressive web apps?

Progressive web apps (PWAs) represent a modern approach to building web applications that combines the benefits of traditional websites and mobile apps. PWAs run in the browser but deliver an experience similar to a native mobile app. Thanks to advanced web technologies, PWAs can work offline, provide fast access, and be easily used on any device without installation.

PWAs differ from standard web apps mainly through their ability to provide a fast, interactive, and reliable user experience. By combining browser-based access with app-like performance, users get features such as offline mode, push notifications, and improved performance. This approach benefits both businesses and developers who want to reach a broader audience without creating separate versions for different platforms (such as Android and iOS).

What are the technologies and principles behind PWAs?

Progressive web apps (PWAs) are built on several key technologies that enable advanced features such as offline mode and fast access. The main technologies supporting PWAs include service workers, web app manifests, and the Cache API. Thanks to these, apps can function without an internet connection and deliver a fast, seamless experience.

Offline support and caching

PWAs can run without an internet connection thanks to caching and storage APIs. This allows the app to store content locally on the device, significantly improving the user experience in environments with limited connectivity or none at all. The app can continue to serve previously loaded content without reconnecting to the network.

• Storing data on the device for offline use
• Loading content without an internet connection
• Ensuring smooth app operation even with poor connectivity

Service workers and their role

Service workers are scripts that run in the background and allow the browser to handle tasks like cache management, network request handling, or receiving push notifications. Service workers are a key element enabling offline mode and faster load times, as they can fetch and serve content even without a network connection. This technology enables performance comparable to native mobile apps.

• Faster app loading thanks to cached content
• Management of network requests and connectivity
• Receiving push notifications to engage users even in offline mode

Benefits of PWAs for users and developers

Progressive web apps (PWAs) offer a wide range of benefits for both users and developers, including improved performance, reduced costs, and simpler maintenance. One of the main benefits for users is speed and availability, enabled by caching and offline mode. Users can access apps quickly and use them without an internet connection, which significantly improves their experience.

Speed, accessibility, and user experience

PWAs load very quickly, even when users don’t have a stable internet connection. This speed and stability are key to a positive user experience because the app feels instant and seamless. They’re also accessible across devices, meaning users can use the app on any device without installation.

• Ensuring instant access to content –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the app works offline, guaranteeing availability without an internet connection.
• Fast app loading –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ thanks to caching and optimization, the app is always ready to use, even on slower connections.
• Easy access across device types –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the app is available on mobile phones and desktop computers without the need to download.

Maintenance and development costs

For developers, PWAs mean significant savings in time and costs. Because PWAs run across platforms (Android, iOS, Windows), developers can avoid building multiple native apps for different operating systems. This unified platform saves not only development time but also maintenance and update costs, as changes can be rolled out across all versions at once.

• Cost savings through one app for all platforms –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ it’s enough to build one version for multiple operating systems.
• Faster updates –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ changes and improvements can be deployed across all versions at once, without editing each system separately.
• Reduced testing and debugging costs –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ testing is concentrated on one version, lowering the cost of testing across platforms.

Where can we see PWAs in action?

Progressive web apps (PWAs) significantly improve how users access apps on their devices. They simplify app management for companies and deliver great user experiences even with lower-quality internet connections.

Successful PWA implementations in practice

PWAs let companies and apps deliver fast access to content across devices, which is especially beneficial in areas with low internet connectivity.

• Starbucks PWA – enables ordering food and drinks without an internet connection, significantly simplifying the customer experience.
• Twitter Lite – optimized for slower internet, ensuring a great mobile experience on low-bandwidth connections.
• AliExpress – an e-commerce platform that uses a PWA to offer an improved shopping experience even in areas with limited connectivity.

Trends and the future of PWAs

As PWAs gain attention, the trend suggests their adoption will continue to grow. Users will increasingly value smooth, fast apps without downloads—exactly what progressive web apps provide. The focus on availability even with weak connections will likely strengthen as PWAs fully establish their role in the global market.

• Use of PWAs in developing countries – PWAs are growing in popularity thanks to lower costs and fast loading, ideal for regions with weaker internet connections.
• Growth of PWAs in mobile banking – more and more banks are implementing PWAs for quick access to transactions and simpler account management.
• Advances in e-commerce – sales platforms like AliExpress deploy PWAs for a better shopping experience that adapts to varying internet conditions.

PWAs are highly promising and represent the future of applications for many companies.