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With progressive web applications (PWAs), users get the best of both worlds: the accessibility of a web app and the functionality of a mobile app. These apps have become the key to unlocking success in a world where users prioritize seamless experiences on the fly.
However, ever wondered what unlocks the success of a PWA? The answer lies in choosing the right progressive web application frameworks.
Picking the best PWA framework isn’t just important; it’s critical. It turbo-boosts your PWA by introducing cross-platform compatibility, offline functionality, and many other performance jumpstarters.
However, it’s precisely where many businesses shoot themselves in the foot.
This blog zooms in on what businesses need to think about when picking progressive web app frameworks. It starts by elaborating on the benefits and significance of a PWA framework and moves on to discuss the key considerations businesses must pay heed to while finalizing one.
It further dwells on:
- What is a progressive web app?
- What are the best progressive web app frameworks?
- The Kellton advantage: a top-rated PWA development company
So, without waiting any longer, let’s get started!
Precap
Back in the day, mobile and web apps both had their shortcomings.
Despite the cool tech that came out—and unrelenting efforts to create a perfect blend of accessibility and performance—the end results didn’t hit the mark.
But then, along came 2015, and things took a turn for the better.
Designer Frances Berriman and Google Chrome engineer Alex Russel came up with the term “progressive web apps.” They described these apps as new-world essentials that take advantage of new features in web browsers and work almost like native apps.
Google got pretty hyped about it and pushed for more PWA development, especially for Android. Soon, the industry joined the party, with Microsoft Edge and Apple Safari cashing in on the trend, and FireFox, in 2016, adding support for service workers.
Since then, PWAs are spreading like wildfire in terms of market value and growth.
Estimates say that progressive web applications are poised to grow at a rate of 25-30% in 2024. By 2027, the market for PWAs is expected to reach a staggering $10.4 billion.
The numbers reflect the resounding success of PWAs. At present, businesses are increasingly hiring custom progressive web app development services to sharpen their competitive advantage, with developers looking to hone their skills and roll out PWAs that could be tomorrow’s gold standard.
What exactly is a progressive web app?
Think of a progressive web app as a hybrid of a traditional website and a mobile app.
A typical PWA is built using web technologies, but behaves and feels like an app. It has capabilities that are deployed on the web, but enable app-like experiences.
The best part? You don’t need to download it from an app store on your device.
PWAs can be accessed from any device with a web browser without users having to download and install it. It’s an attractive choice for those who may not have the space or resources to download multiple applications on their devices.
The Twitter app takes up 300MBs on a phone. In contrast, the PWA version of it takes up around 600KBs. So, no points for guessing what would be your likely preference.
Moreover, PWAs surfaced as a solution to the issues users encountered with traditional websites, such as slow loading times and sub-par performance. Since these apps marry the best of the modern web and mobile ecosystems, they provide higher-quality app-like experiences while ensuring the ease of access of the web.
PWAs load fast, work offline, and can send push notifications, making them a win-win for users who seek “more in less.”
Progressive web app frameworks: Deciphering the need and significance
At the heart of every successful PWA lies a progressive web app framework, powering its performance.
Using a PWA framework has a boatload of benefits.
Backed by a complete suite of tools and libraries tailored specifically to build PWAs, these frameworks—Angular, React, and Vue.js to name a few—simplify and accelerate the development lifecycle while maximizing the potential of these “appy webs.”
By offering features like code reusability, component-based structure, and built-in optimization techniques, these PWA development tools weave smart capabilities into your PWAs and make them create value for customers.
Some of the best frameworks for progressive web apps come with extensive documentation, active community support, and buy-ins from technology behemoths. Such frameworks open floodgates of resources to help PWA developers build high-performing, responsive, and engaging apps.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Some of the other upsides of using PWA frameworks are:
- PWA frameworks help devs make PWAs ridiculously fast, reliable, and offline-ready.
- With PWA frameworks, it’s easier to bring in and integrate apps with technologies like service workers and web app manifests, which in turn makes a PWA easy to install on any device.
- These frameworks power up PWAs with a cool-drool of features, including push notifications, background sync, and smart caching tricks.
Long story short: progressive web app frameworks put your PWAs a notch above the rest. By tapping into their power, you curate compelling web experiences that rival native apps.
What are the best progressive web app frameworks?
The popularity of PWAs have given rise to a number of progressive web app frameworks.
The bewildering variety has made it difficult for both developers and business owners to pick the best PWA framework, and they end up choosing ones that fail to strike the right balance.
If you’re looking to choose the best framework for progressive web apps, we’ve curated a listicle with our five top PWA frameworks recommendations based on the features, ease of use, and scope of adoption.
So, let’s dive right in.
1. AngularJS
Angular is a powerful, Google-backed JavaScript framework, popular for its two-way data binding and modular structure. It draws the attention of developers for its ability to make development of dynamic applications simpler and more accessible. With features like dependency injection and directives, it allows a PWA development company to create sturdy, maintainable codebases with spectacular ease.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Two-way data binding | Steeper learning curve |
| Advanced, multifaceted structure | Performance overhead |
| Third-party extensions | |
| Dependency injection |
2. Vue.js
Vue.js is a progressive, open-source JavaScript framework for building user interfaces, having simplicity and flexibility at the core. Through its two-way data binding and component-based structure, developers can easily create interactive, extendable web applications effortlessly. Vue.js is easier to grasp and offers a gentle learning curve, making this PWA framework attractive for developers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple and extensible | Smaller ecosystem |
| Gentle learning curve | |
| Component-based structure |
3. Ionic
Ionic is an open-source framework for developing cross-platform mobile applications using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It offers various UI components and tools for developing mobile applications with a high speed and native design. Ionic’s simplicity and compatibility with popular frameworks such as Angular and React make it a popular choice for developers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cross-platform development | Performance issues |
| Native design | Native design |
| Compatibility with Angular/React |
4. React
React, a JavaScript library for developing user interfaces, is one of many examples of effective development. Originally developed by Facebook, this library allows developers to create UI components rapidly by using virtual DOM and one-way data flow. React’s component-based architecture and high-speed rendering enable developers to build websites and web applications that are quick and scalable and widely used by many popular websites and web applications running today.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Virtual DOM | Boilerplate code |
| One-way data flow | Fragmented ecosystem |
| High-speed rendering |
5. Polymer
Polymer is a Google JavaScript library for composing web components. It facilitates the creation of reusable UI elements with embedded functionalities that enable the creation of modular and sustainable websites. Polymer also adheres to web component standards, which makes it easy to create custom components and share them across projects and different frameworks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reusable web components | Limited community support |
| Modular and sustainable | Less adoption compared to others |
| Adheres to web standards |
How to choose the best framework for progressive web apps?
The ever-widening space of PWA frameworks often leads to decision paralysis. To build a killer app, businesses sift through a truckload of options to pick the perfect one. But, more often than not, they end up totally lost in the process.
If you’ve set out to build a PWA, here are a few considerations that might help you deal with the Everest of decisions: choosing the best framework for your project.
1. Performance par excellence
The cornerstone of any PWA lies in its performance. Opt for a framework that leverages server-side rendering to ensure swift loading times and seamless user experiences. Keep a keen eye on the framework's size, as it directly impacts app performance.
2. Size matters: application development dimensions
Tailor your framework selection according to the scale of your application. For large-scale projects, opt for feature-rich frameworks with extensive component libraries. Conversely, smaller applications thrive on lightweight frameworks designed for agility and efficiency.
3. Scaling heights: Scalability factor
Future-proof your application by selecting a framework capable of seamless scalability. As your app evolves and expands, the chosen framework should accommodate new features and integrations effortlessly, simplifying the development process.
4. Time is of the essence: Development timeline
Consider the learning curve associated with each framework. Opt for a language and framework that aligns with your team’s skill set and timeline. While complex frameworks offer advanced features, simplicity may expedite development without compromising quality.
5. Support system: A backbone for success
A comprehensive documentation and active community support are indispensable assets in the realm of PWA development. Prioritize frameworks with robust support channels, including forums and documentation, ensuring prompt resolution of queries and issues.
6. Flexibility with third-party tools
In the ever-evolving landscape of PWA development, versatility is paramount. Choose a framework that seamlessly integrates with third-party tools and auxiliary libraries, facilitating a robust development ecosystem.
7. Simplifying maintenance: Code cleanup made easy
Efficient code maintenance is the lifeline of any project. Choose a framework that promotes modular and reusable component development, streamlining code upkeep, and onboarding new team members. Simplified maintenance ensures long-term viability and agility.
Next Step: Explore the Kellton advantage
For businesses to be flexible and market-ready in today’s ever-expanding digital economy, there’s a need for progressive web applications and the right expertise to build them.
Kellton is a top-rated PWA development company, leading the way in delivering experiences that have the look and feel of a mobile application and the reach of a web application. These applications have a proven track record of enhancing end-user engagement, boosting ROI, and reducing the cost of operations. Hire our PWA developers and experience the differentiation of Kellton’s progressive web applications that are backed by:
- A modular, future-centric suite of progressive web app frameworks, tools, and technologies, including data and artificial intelligence
- A dedicated Center of Excellence (CoE) to advance innovation and raise the benchmarks of performance
- Stringent testing and quality assurance practices
- Proven methodologies, best practices, and hyper-accelerators
- Flexible engagement and pricing models
At Kellton, we take pride in crafting PWAs that not only fit diverse business requirements but also raise the bar of performance excellence and digital experience.
Eager to explore more about your progressive web application development services. Tap here!
All set to beef up your application’s performance with a PWA framework?
Let's talkImportant FAQs
What is a Progressive Web App (PWA), and how does it differ from traditional web apps?
A progressive web app (PWA) is built using modern web technologies that renders a native app-like experience to users. PWAs are laden with features, like offline functionality, instant notifications and can be installed on a mobile device. Different from web apps of the past, PWAs provide an experience that’s not only fast, but also engaging.
What are the key technologies and features used in PWA development?
PWA development is based on several important technologies and features, such as Service Workers for offline functionality, Web App Manifest for enabling installation on the user's device, HTTPS for secure communication, and responsive design principles for cross-device compatibility. Furthermore, PWAs are integrated with features that include push notifications, background sync, and responsive animations for a smooth user experience.
How do I get started with PWA development?
To get on with PWA development, first, get familiar with the web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Then, learn about PWA-specific technologies such as Service Workers and the Web App Manifest. There are, in fact, online resources, tutorials, and documentation that you can get from platforms, such as Google Developers and Mozilla Developer Network, that can enable you to easily learn and employ PWA features.
Which PWA frameworks are most popular and why?
Some of the well-known PWA frameworks are React, Angular, and Vue. js. These frameworks are popular because they have a wide range of tools and libraries for building complex applications that have features, such as component-based architecture, efficient state management, and excellent developer experience. Moreover, they are backed by robust frameworks, comprehensive libraries, and guidance for building PWAs for optimum performance and scalability.
How can one know if a website is a PWA?
Verify a website's PWA functionality with Chrome's Lighthouse extension. It not only confirms PWA status but also provides guidance on converting non-PWAs into PWAs.
