Easy Development and Wide Reach: Everything You Need to Know About PWA Services

In a world where mobile devices have become an integral part of life, it is essential to provide users with fast, convenient, and reliable access to content. Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) are a technology that allows you to create websites that function like native applications, offering numerous benefits for businesses and users.

Why PWA Applications Are Becoming More Popular:

1. Poor Internet? No Problem!
   • These systems work well even in areas with slow internet.
   • Example: A farmer in a field or a logger in the wilderness, who often lack stable internet. A PWA allows them to check the weather forecast, submit work reports, or order spare parts, even with unstable connectivity.
2. Hassle-Free Updates!
   • The PWA updates itself; users don’t need to download anything from the store.
   • Example: A news service where users want to see the latest news. They visit the service and see current content. No extra actions required.
3. Easily Found on Google!
   • Google and other search engines “see” PWAs as regular websites.
   • Example: A PWA of an online store is visible to customers in Google when they search for products.
4. Cost Savings!
   • Developing a PWA is cheaper than creating separate applications for iPhone and Android.
   • Example: Instead of paying for two different projects, you can create one that works on all phones.
5. Accessible to Everyone!
   • These systems work on any device with internet access, without the need to download anything.
   • Example: An online conference – with PWA, anyone can easily register on their phone, tablet, or computer by simply following a link.

How a PWA Application Works:

1. You access it like a regular website. A PWA opens in the browser like a standard web page.
2. The “hidden assistant” starts working. A special program called Service Worker runs in the background.
3. The browser “studies” the system by examining a special file (manifest) that describes what the system is, what it’s called, and how it looks.
4. The application “settles” on the screen. If the user agrees to install the PWA, an icon appears on their screen like regular applications.
5. It works like a regular application. When the user launches the service, it looks and operates like standard software.
6. Automatic updates: The Service Worker monitors application updates and downloads new versions in the background.

Examples of PWA Services:

The Washington Post, a major newspaper, decided to create a PWA for several key reasons:

1. To reach more mobile users: The company wanted to ensure easy access to content for a wider audience on smartphones and tablets.
2. Smooth and reliable reading: PWAs are designed to work well even with poor internet connections, providing readers with constant access to news.
3. Fast performance: PWAs utilize technology that pre-loads and caches content, allowing the website to load quickly.

Spotify chose a PWA for the following reasons:

1. To avoid app store commissions: PWA allowed Spotify to avoid the 30% fees from app stores.
2. To attract more subscribers: Without commissions, Spotify can earn more and attract more users.
3. PWA works faster: Spotify operates faster than a regular application.
4. Easy to add to the home screen: Users can add the service to their phone’s home screen for easier access.

The development of a progressive web application is a solution to many problems faced by modern companies, from high app store fees to difficulties with updates and limited reach.