Are Progressive Mobile Apps the same as Native Mobile Apps?

With the popularity of mobile devices on the rise and more people buying smartphones, there has been a corresponding increase in demand for well-designed business apps. Many companies are turning to Progressive Web Apps, as they behave more like native mobile apps. A progressive web app can make products visible and functional, in ways traditional web-based software cannot.

Progressive Web Apps offer nearly all the same benefits of a native app, but some developers prefer to create apps for specific platforms, especially on mobile devices.

The Different Types of Mobile Apps

If the world of mobile app development were to be sectioned into categories based on technology, there would be three main types: web apps, native apps and hybrid.

Web Apps

Web apps can be accessed from a variety of devices, as long as the user has web browser (such Chrome or Firefox). They are slightly different than websites because they include more interactive features.

Native Apps

Native apps are built for one specific platform and cannot be used on any other. Unfortunately, developers can't use the same code to build applications that work in both iOS and Android environments.

Hybrid Apps

Hybrid apps combine the best of web and native apps. Like WEB-based programs, they are built using HTML/CSS/JS;

but like their NATIVE counterparts, you can download them onto your smartphone or tablet for offline use.

What is a progressive web app?

Progressive Web Apps are a futuristic approach to mobile apps that bridges the divide between websites and native applications.

Progressive Web Apps use two features, a service worker and a manifest.json file (among other things), to function properly. Service workers are scripts that function primarily to keep a website running even when there is no internet connection, but can also be used for other tasks such as notifying users of new messages or updating content on the server. A web app manifest, or JSON file, provides information about the PWA to a browser.

Unlike native or hybrid applications, PWAs can't be downloaded onto a mobile device. With progressive web apps all it takes is as little as tapping its icon once and saving.

The benefits of a PWA for a business

• Flexible for the ever changing needs of a company
• Improves brand awareness
• Seamless customer experience

What is a native app?

You can simplify the definition of a native app down to one simple phrase: purpose-built. A native application is coded in one or more programming languages that are specific to what kind of operating system it will be used on.

An app written for a specific platform has greater access to that system’s frameworks and tools, making it more efficient than if it were running on a different operating system.

By tailoring an app to the unique features of a particular piece of hardware, a seamless user experience can be created. This approach only works if all devices running the app are using the same operating system.

The Benefits of a Native App for your Business

• Credibility from app store publication
• Ability to integrate with other apps
• Feature in-app purchases

Conclusion

Progressive web apps are ushering in a new generation of mobile solutions. They can offer users the ease and convenience of an app without sacrificing the capabilities of a native one.

Most people don't realize the extent to which a smartphone can be used in business.

With more people turning to mobile apps to interact with brands, it has become a necessity for businesses to have their own app. This helps boost sales, provide a better customer experience and enables companies who do not have an app at all. A business does not want to fall behind competitors who already offer some form of digital presence.

Thinking about a mobile app for your business? Get in touch