A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a website that appears and functions like a mobile app. PWAs are built to leverage the features of the native device that do not require the end user to visit the app store to purchase or download the software.
The perceived flaws of PWAs are inaccurate, and sometimes these myths are the opposite of the truth. There is a need to counter these myths with solid facts to cement the gap between true knowledge of PWAs and assumptions. Here are some misconceptions surrounding the PWAs.
PWA Technology is Expensive
One of the popular PWA myths is that its development is costly. This difference is because PWA is relatively new and is under the impression that it will result in higher developmental costs. However, the fact states that PWA does not result in increased costs and can be inexpensive, even cheaper than developing a native mobile app. With the help of an advanced code builder, a developer can build a fully functional PWA from scratch for numerous operating systems simultaneously.
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PWA is Just Another Technology That Takes Longer to Make
Developers believe that PWAs are just another technological buzzword that will only be trending for a shorter period. This is not even remotely true since the way users utilize mobile phones differs from the traditional user. At the same time, users download a limited number of applications that receive little traffic.
Users tend to look for most online content on smartphones with an expectation of convenience and seamless functionalities of native apps without the need to download and maintain them on their phones. PWAs have been utilized by big companies, hence, clearly, it delivers better technology to enhance user experience and provide better content and function in mobile and web applications.
PWA and Websites Are Similar
Yet another common myth around PWA is that it is similar to websites. It is partially true since it shares some characteristics with the websites, like they can be accessed via URL and function with complexities, unlike simple websites.
PWAs incorporate native features of the user’s device, enhancing engagement which the websites cannot achieve. Additionally, they have offline capabilities which store detailed information and the application’s features utilizing a built-in service workers cache.
This allows the user to access the content even if the unstable connections. Furthermore, PWA also offers enhanced security.
PWAs Are Not Able to Access Hardware Features and Reach Users
Users believe that PWA cannot access the hardware features of the device in use. However, PWAs are good at accessing the hardware features. While there are browsers that do not necessarily utilize APIs to extend the browser’s ability to leverage the hardware capabilities, typical Chromium-based and Android-based PWAs should be able to access the device’s hardware features.
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Additionally, PWAs are believed to have restricted themselves to a specific market. Since PWAs are digital, they have a far better reach than any native mobile application or website due to the efficiency of being discoverable on the mobile application marketplaces and search engines simultaneously. This is a crucial reason why the more innovative businesses finding multiple ways to expand their presence pursue PWAs as a more viable solution.
With the myths and facts creating complexities, businesses need to filter the misinformation and identify whether PWA is an appropriate solution. PWAs have a ton of values, however, it is certainly not a one-size-fits-all option. If businesses adopt this option, they will be revolutionizing their website.
