When planning to have an app for your business, you should make a crucial choice of PWA vs native. Each type has its own benefits, so the task is not an easy one.
PWA VS NATIVE APPS: AN OUTLINE OF COMPARISON
Back in the day, native software was the only way to go. Developers used to take a target platform and set of devices to create a specific, narrowly-optimized solution, which was a native app in a nutshell. In those blessed times, there was no such thing as the choice between progressive web apps vs native solutions and, usually, the only dilemma one could face was “Android or iOS?”.
Things changed with the introduction of tons of new hardware models and a bunch of new OS’s - all with their own specifics and nuances. It has simply become too difficult to satisfy the needs of all users in all existing niches. On top of that, eager entrepreneurs started invading global markets, looking for affordable ways to build dedicated mobile apps.
The format of PWA appeared as a great cost-efficient, universal alternative to native solutions. Progressive Web Apps work from a browser, which spawns tons of advantages:
For users - there’s no need to download anything, no need to get a powerful smartphone to match the specs, just make sure you’re connected to the Wi-Fi and you’re good to go.
For software providers - no need to upload the solution to any of the app stores or spend budget on the thorough optimization for different devices/OS’s. However, this great innovation.
One great BUT, however, is that this seemingly game-changing innovation isn’t free from its own downsides. Thus, PWA solutions don’t work offline, limiting the capabilities of certain user niches. They also can’t access some of the native hardware features (like accelerometer) and can’t be distributed in app stores (which can be a significant disadvantage for some businesses).
To sacrifice the exclusiveness and commercial ambitions over wide accessibility and ease of use at a more affordable budget? Or to keep it narrowly optimized, niche-targeted, and highly functional with bigger investments? This is, basically, the web app vs native app choice most modern mobile app development companies and entrepreneurs have to figure out.
This is an extract. Read the full article: https://requestum.com/pwa-vs-native-app
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Those new to PWA can get an intro at devopedia.org/progressive-web-appl...