How to choose PWA framework?

Progressive Web Apps (PWA) offer the best of both worlds. PWAs are basically web applications that serve as native mobile applications as well. They are built using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and Javascript.

Progressive Web App (PWA) frameworks help developers build these apps efficiently and simplify the process by providing pre-built tools, libraries, and best practices.

So, choosing the right PWA framework is essential for building efficient, progressive web apps.
This article guides you on how to choose a PWA framework.

What are Progressive Web Apps (PWA)?

Progressive Web Apps are applications that run on browsers built using conventional website development technologies but also combine the features of a native application. It combines all the standout features of a web application and the native application without the complexities of having a native app.

Some well-known brands aligned with the PWA framework are Uber, Twitter, Spotify, and Pinterest, among others. 

Features of Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

Progressive Web App comes with a blend of the best features of mobile and web applications. Here are the key features of PWA that make it stand out as a popular choice:

• Responsive: It can adapt to any device or screen size.
• Offline Mode: It can work without an internet connection via cached data.
• Installable: You can add it to the home screen without needing any app store.
• Push Notifications: Shares real-time updates with users.
• Remains Updated: It automatically fetches the latest updates.

Benefits of Progressive Web Apps

Here are some benefits of the PWAs:

• PWAs combine the best features of native and web applications. 
• No need to worry about the app occupying storage space on your device.
• It is cross-browser compatible and works across all devices
• It uses conventional technologies that have been around for a long time, like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
• The developer does not need to learn an additional programming language to develop native apps for every platform.
• PWA is updated in the background, and there is no need to update them manually.

Limitations of Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

Here are a few limitations of Progressive Web Apps:

• PWA’s access to device hardware like NFC, camera controls etc. is limited as compared to native apps. Therefore, advanced functionalities are also limited.
• PWAs have limitations on iOS, such as restricted offline storage, no push notifications, and lack of support for background tasks, which can affect performance.

What is Progressive Web App Framework

A Progressive Web App Framework is a development toolkit to help simplify the development of PWAs. This framework consists of tools, libraries, and best practices for developers to build progressive web apps efficiently.

Functions of PWA Frameworks

Here are the key functions of PWA frameworks:

• It simplifies service worker integration by managing offline capabilities, caching, and background tasks.
• Automates functionalities like Web App Manifest, push notifications and secure HTTPS connections.
• Enables building apps that function seamlessly across devices and browsers.

Importance of a PWA Framework

Here’s why you should use a PWA framework:

• With pre-built tools, you can simplify the development process and manage complex PWA features.
• With this framework, you can integrate important PWA features like service workers and HTTPS.
• A single code base can work on all types of devices and browsers.
• Supports both small and large-scale applications seamlessly.

How to choose a PWA framework?

Choosing a PWA framework to develop a high-quality application and enjoy the full benefits of a Progressive Web application is imperative. The following factors must be considered when choosing a Progressive Web App Framework. 

1. Performance

One of the critical factors in selecting a PWA framework is to evaluate which application delivers a high-performing app. Server-side rendering is an essential component in determining the effectiveness of the application. If the PWA framework is bulky, the app will take a long time to load. 

2. Size of the App to be developed

Depending on the application’s size, you must choose the development framework. An extensive framework or library with many components is required if the app is large.  For smaller applications with minimal features, the PWA framework can be light-in-weight.

3. Adaptability to Third-party Tools

Frameworks used for PWA development are still in the process of perfection. There are times you need to use third-party tools for certain services. The chosen framework should be compatible with external libraries or tools. 

4. Development Time

Some PWA frameworks require you to learn a new programming language. It works if your team has the bandwidth to learn the language. If not, you may have to find a language that is easy to learn and uses conventional programming language familiar to many.

5. Support

Well-documented Progressive Web App Frameworks will be an excellent support for the developers. Also, online support communities are beneficial and prompt in responding to or resolving issues. It is prudent to choose a framework depending on the support offered. 

6. Scalability

The framework should handle seamless feature updates and the introduction of new features. As the scale of the App grows, the PWA frameworks should make your life easier. The frameworks should support integration with third-party tools and increasing application size. 

7. Maintenance 

Maintenance of code is vital for every project. The PWA framework should be able to make code maintenance easy. Frameworks should support the development of reusable components. Any newcomer to the project team should be able to start working on the code with minimum training. Grouping and maintenance of code should be fine for the developer.

Top 5 Progressive Web App Frameworks

Here are 5 best progressive web app frameworks to use:

1.Angular:

Angular is a framework that comes with built-in PWA support through Angular CLI. This framework integrates seamlessly with service workers for offline capabilities. Angular is best suited for scalable web apps.

2.React

React is a flexible framework for progressive web apps that can be paired with libraries like Workbox to drive PWA features. It is best suited for dynamic and interactive apps.

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3.Vue.js

Vue.js is a lightweight framework with an easy learning curve. It provides plugins like @vue/pwa that help add PWA capabilities.

4.Ionic with Capacitor

Ionic with Capacitor is an open-source framework that supports the creation of Progressive Web Apps. Capacitor, Ionic’s native runtime, helps create hybrid apps like PWAs with a single codebase for iOS, Android, and the web.

5.Svelte

Svelte is a simple yet fast and reactive framework. It efficiently compiles highly optimized vanilla JavaScript for PWAs. This lightweight framework is best suited for building high-speed PWAs with reduced overhead.

Angular vs React vs Vue: Choose PWA Framework

Angular, React, and Vue are the most popular PWA frameworks. However, the question is which framework is best for your needs.

Angular is a comprehensive framework for developing large scale apps. It comes with in-built features like routing and state management.

React, on the other hand, is a flexible library that focuses on dynamic UIs, and needs additional libraries for PWA features. Vue is a lightweight, intuitive framework for small to medium-sized apps.

Conclusion

The frameworks used may differ from project to project depending on the requirements and the type of Progressive Web App. For effective testing of PWA across browsers and various platforms, BrowserStack’s cross-browser testing is the one-stop solution for all your testing needs, with over 3000+ real devices and browsers to test your native, hybrid, and PWA applications.

Needless to say, PWAs need to be tested on real mobile devices to verify functionality across devices. Different device architectures will cause a PWA to function differently, which is why real device testing is a mandate.

Test PWA on Real Device Cloud

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which technology is best for PWA?

The best technology for PWA will depend on the requirements of your project. You can go for React for dynamic, high-performance apps. Choose Angular for large-scale applications and if your app is more simple and lightweight, you can consider Vue. The choice is primarily dependent on the complexity, and scale.

2. What is a real-life example of PWA?

Twitter Lite is a real-life example of a Progressive Web App (PWA). It provides an app-like experience on mobile devices with minimal data usage and allows you to access features like offline access, push notifications.