Progressive Web App (PWA)
# What is PWA?
PWA (Progressive Web Apps) are experiences that combine the best of the web and best of the app. Land your very landing page to mobile apps. Build based on web but feels like mobile apps. No install required, loads quickly, even on low quality network connection, sends relevant push notification, shortcut icon on the home screen, and full screen experience, event it feels like a natural app on the device.
# Pros and pros of PWA
## Instant Loading
Service worker make this possible to be used offline or low quality network connection. Service worker control assets to be cached and provide custom request to the network.
Browsers which support service worker are Chrome, Opera, and Firefox (v4.4 and higher).
## Easy access
It place a shortcut icon to our mobile home screen. This what makes PWA feels like native mobile app. With clicking this shortcut icon, you will not need to access the URL. This make the web easier to access. Allow users to “keep” apps they find most useful on their home screen without the hassle of an app store.
Feel like a natural app on the device, with an immersive user experience. Using the app shell architecture allows you to focus on speed, giving your Progressive Web App similar properties to native apps: instant loading and regular updates, all without the need of an app store.
## Push notification support
Since Chrome v42, Google support push notification for browsers through API.
## Secure
Served via HTTPS to prevent snooping and ensure content has not been tampered with.
## Responsive
Fit any form factor, desktop, mobile, tablet, or whatever is next.
## Fresh
Always up-to-date thanks to the service worker update process
## Discoverable
Are identifiable as “applications” thanks to W3C manifests and service worker registration scope allowing search engines to find them.
## Linkable
Easily share via URL and not require complex installation.
For the next article we will start to learn how to build a PWA, start from:
1. How to design and construct an app using the “app shell” method
2. How to make your app work offline
3. How to store data for later offline use
Thank you for reading. Feel free to leave question below. Cheers! Have a nice weekend.
For new technology to replace old, it has to have at least ten times the benefit ~ Peter Drucker
