What Are Progressive Web Applications and How Do They Work

A few years back, X (formerly Twitter) had this issue of a stuttering feel on their app. It was contaminated with loading and scrolling issues, which led users to click off fast. Their team’s solution was to try something new in the form of Progressive Web Applications (PWA).  

This solved every fundamental issue and ultimately led to a major shift in how the web works. 

What and How Do Progressive Web Applications Actually Work? 

First, let’s define it. PWAs are like the “choice cuts” of a website and a mobile app rolled into one. It runs in your browser but works fast like it's an app. It even works offline, and there is no need for downloads or app store queues. Just one click and it’s plug and play! 

It sounds like a revolutionary invention, but put technically, it’s basically built the same way through HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The main difference is how it’s arranged in a smarter way. The “progressive” aspect allows the app to adapt to whatever device it’s on. Whether it’s an outdated Android or the latest iPhone, the PWA adjusts and analyses the best way to provide the best possible experience. 

But for a PWA to really be called one, they need to follow these 3 criteria: 

• They run under HTTPS 

• Web designers need a web app manifest 

• There must be a service worker 

To put that into perspective, imagine this: when someone visits your PWA, the browser quietly saves key parts of the site. When they visit again, it loads up in seconds, no matter the connection quality. If they go offline, the cached pages will still work, and updates will come in once they are reconnected. 

Why Businesses Are Jumping In 

For companies, PWAs can be a serious performance upgrade and a cost saving tool. It’s the key to speed and convenience for users by providing a cost-effective solution and maintenance for their business. 

Developers love them too. Maintaining one codebase that runs everywhere means faster updates and lower development costs. And since users don’t have to download anything, there’s no “install friction.” No app store, no permissions pop-ups; just instant access. 

PWAs also take up a fraction of the storage space of native apps. This addresses the issue for users with devices of older models and the limited storage they come with. Accompanied with push notification functionalities, you gain engagement benefits of an app without the bulk or maintenance. 

Progressive Web Applications in the Real World 

E-commerce brands like Alibaba are gaining major wins now. You can browse products on your laptop, add items into your cart through your phone, and check out later from your tablet seamlessly. 

Publishers love PWAs because they’re lightning fast and offline-friendly. Imagine reading an article mid-flight with no Wi-Fi and picking up right where you left off when you land. 

Even banks and service businesses are using PWAs to simplify customer experiences. Tasks such as booking appointments, checking balances, and chatting with support are all directly in the browser. 

Should You Build Your Own Progressive Web Applications? 

If mobile engagement drives your business, it’s worth at least exploring. Browser support is now solid across both iOS and Android. Building PWAs is now a form of practicality than an experiment. 

Just remember that users expect speed, reliability, and security. That means optimising your performance, running everything over HTTPS, and keeping your code lean. Cut corners there, and no technology can save you. 

A smart starting point is identifying where your current mobile experience breaks down. Ask questions like: 

• Where are users dropping off?  

• What feels clunky or slow?  

PWAs often fix these pain points by design. 

The Bottom Line 

PWAs have become the smarter and lighter way to build digital experiences that simply work. It solves the connectivity problem for users while also satisfying the bottom line of businesses. It has been a decade since it was introduced, but there are still a lot more functional benefits it can offer to businesses in many industries.