WordPress als App

What is a PWA?

The term Progressive Web App (PWA) simply means a website that is available as a "mobile app" on a smartphone.

The website can be launched and used like a regular app via the icon on the home screen. However, the app cannot be installed via the Play Store or the Apple App Store. When accessing a website configured as a "Progressive Web App" with a manifest and service worker using a smartphone, the user receives a message asking if they want to install the website as an app on their smartphone.

What are the advantages of a PWA?

Difference between a PWA and a website that is manually added to the home screen.

One could argue that I don't need a PWA since I can link to any website on my home screen. However, a PWA does offer several advantages. Below is a list of the most important ones.

• The look and feel are like a native mobile app.
• Does not run in the browser
• Static content is available offline.
• Push notifications are possible

A PWA can even have certain advantages over a native app (an app that is installed via the store).

• Lower development costs
• No connection to the App Store
• Content can be indexed by search engines and is therefore linked to Google ranking.
• No platform restrictions

There are, of course, limitations for PWAs. In those cases, a native app needs to be developed. Examples of such limitations include the use of Touch ID, Face ID, or background synchronization.

When does a PWR make sense?

There are many situations where a Progressive Web App can help you stand out from your competition. Having your own icon on your smartphone is often much more convenient than opening a browser and navigating to a specific website.

In our case, we were allowed to create a small and cost-effective website with court reservation for the Swissair squash club.

To enable members of the Swissair Squash Club to save the reservation option as an app on their smartphone, we have configured this website as a Progressive Web App for our client.