Using Progressive Web App for WordPress: Pros and Cons

For the success of your business app, it is very important that the users have a positive mobile experience. However, this can be a little challenging when you have to build a website, and two apps, for reaching both Android and iOS customers. A progressive web app (PWA) can be the solution here. Many features of native mobile apps are combined with properties of websites to form PWAs. This makes the application work as a website and app at the same time and is detached from its operating system. In short, a PWA is a middle ground between a mobile app and a website that aims to make the app more fast, reliable, and engaging.

A progressive web app is a promising development in the existing format of the web app. Like conventional web apps, PWAs are written in HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, and based exclusively on open web standards. WordPress developers have also recognized this trend of PWAs and have opened doors for PWA use with WordPress.

PWA is a website and app rolled into one

A URL can be used to access PWAs online and launch them in the browser, just like a website. Moreover, it is available without going to app stores and needs no installation. However, unlike websites, they can also be run offline by connecting the corresponding URL with the home screen of an Internet-compatible device. If your browser has an offline cache, you can call the app even if you have a weak internet connection or no connection at all. The responsive design and ability to fit in any display size give the PWA an impression of being a native app. Thus, you can also say that a PWA is a responsive web application that has the appearance of a native app.

The PWA can access native functions of the device, like the GPS, microphone, camera, push notifications, and use them within the software. On a tablet or smartphone, the PWA looks and feel similar to that of a native app, for example, the reaction times, swiping movements, fluid operating systems, etc.

An overview of the Pros and Cons of PWA

From coding to the application of PWAs, different aspects can be compared to other app formats. An overview of the comparison to list the pros and cons of PWAs is done here.

Pros of PWAs

1. PWAs can make their presence in both ways – traditionally, on the web and as a platform-independent app. So, even if the user’s device and/or browser is not compatible with all the features of the app, they can still make restricted use of the app.
2. The coding for PWAs is much less costly and time consuming as compared to native mobile apps. Much less work is involved in the development of PWA as it works both as a website and an app that operates across various systems at the same time.
3. Development of PWA is not dependent on the operating system but the hardware of the device and browser need to be compatible with the functioning of a PWA is dependent on the browser and device. This makes PWAs extremely flexible for changing and adapting to functions that fit the browser and device.
4. You do not find PWAs in the app stores like other native apps. You can search them via search engines and link through the web.
5. There is no need to download and install the PWAs. They can be accessed immediately through a browser. So, you check them out in a completely non-binding manner.
6. If you want to integrate them deeper into the operating system, you can use WebAPKs (for Android). This allows PWAs to access the native functions of the mobile device and operating system like microphone, camera, GPS, push notifications, etc.
7. You do not need to download any updates, as in case of native apps. When the PWA is launched online, it will be updated automatically, directing you to the newest version of the software. However, PWAs can also usually be used offline.
8. PWAs demand very less storage space (depends on the size of the offline cache of the device) and resources as compared to native mobile apps, while offering a similarly high standard of performance.
9. The service worker feature of PWAs is carried out in JavaScript in the browser background. It is loaded and installed by the PWA server when the application is launched for the first time in the background of the browser. This service worker will then be updated and ready to use every time the PWA is launched. After this, the service worker and its accompanying cache are saved in the browser. This enables the offline use of PWAs. (This feature works only in case of HTTPS due to security issues.)
10. Lesser time is needed for the loading of the app shell if the service worker cache is filled. This enhances the performance of PWA.
11. If the users want to access the PWA content offline, they can download and secure it in the cache via IndexedDB.

Cons of PWAs

1. The PWAs cannot be found directly in the app stores. This may make the search process longer and tiresome.
2. The PWA format is still in the developmental stages and there are compatibility issues with mobile hardware, browsers, and operating systems, in some cases. There is also uncertainty regarding the native device functions that will be supported by the PWA in the future.
3. The native functions of the device, like camera, microphone, contacts, calendar, GPS, Bluetooth, NFC, etc. cannot be used. Even if the browser support improves in near future and it becomes possible to integrate PWAs deep into the operating systems, the native device functions still won’t be incorporated in the same manner as with native apps.
4. The PWA cannot be integrated into the app drawer (app tray) of a device.
5. Though Android has supported PWAs by means of WebAPKs, they are still in an experimental stage with a relatively uncertain future.
6. As all operating systems and browsers do not completely support all functions of a PWA, future of PWA is dependent on whether iOS devices will support this technology or not.
7. Though the app format is based on open web technology and has many influential vocal proponents like Google and other internet corporations, still the future of PWAs in the market is unpredictable.
8. Hybrid apps are preferred over PWAs as they incorporate more native device functions than PWAs, though less than native apps.

Conclusion

Progressive web apps have become a trendy marketing term, and PWAs are allowing app developers to enter a whole new technological landscape that includes WordPress as well. Though the performance capacity of PWAs in relation to the latest versions of the apps for the browsers is comprehensive and extensive support for the PWA format in the future is expected. Apple is still refraining from supporting the PWA format. However, if you are a WordPress developer, you can use the latest PWA plugins and appify your webpage.