Frequently Asked Questions about progressive web applications

In our previous blog post, we have discussed what a progressive web application (PWA) is good for, and what benefits its usage provides. In this article, we aim to answer the most frequent, practical questions, all the way from the basics.

Is this something new?

Not so much. More precisely, the technology is relatively new, but considering that it was only introduced a few years ago, it is surprisingly widespread. Most users either encounter it on a daily basis or are just using it without realizing they are dealing with a progressive web application. Twitter, Spotify, and even Tinder are all such apps, to name just a few.

What is a PWA capable of?

Like mobile apps, it can send notifications. Its icon is placed on the home screen, it also works in offline mode, and it may read or create files directly in the storage space. It may use the camera, the microphone, and may access location data.

And what is it not?

It cannot establish a Bluetooth connection, does not have access to the calendar, telephone contacts, and cannot handle calls and text messages. Furthermore, it also syncs less well with other programs on your mobile phone than a mobile app.

What is it better at compared to a native app?

The majority of users uses only a few well-known mobile apps. Several studies have shown that most people would rather click on a particular website to access the content they are looking for in only a few moments than download a native app (which also requires a separate registration as well in some cases). Namely, the latter is more time and energy-consuming and requires a slightly higher commitment from the user.

However, the PWA takes up a minimal amount of storage space, as it is not located directly on the mobile device, but on the operator’s serve. It is not necessary to download. Its usage is not bound to an app store, however, it can also be added to the offering of an app store as required. It appears in Google search results, making it much easier and more cost-effective for users to reach.