In the world of tech, sooner all later, different platforms start to look alike. This can be seen with such examples as faxing and email, or Skype and WhatsApp. Initially sending faxes meant owning a fax machine, but now it can be done with a computer and a scanner, or even with just a mobile phone. Same thing with using Whatsapp: initially it meant only sending text messages, but now there is voice available just like with Skype.
Of late there have been exciting reimagined paradigms from web development, that are converging web technologies with mobile technologies. Whilst initially one had to think of web development as separate from mobile development, these reimagined paradigms are making it possible for the two technologies to be mentioned in the same breath.
The term app is short for application. Many people associate the word app with mobile devices. However apps can be found on any sufficiently advanced electronic system. Essentially, apps are pieces of software that are typically small-scale and can often be installed on a target device with a particular operating system.
Most people also associate the word app with mobile phones, but it is applicable across a wide range of computer systems. This blog discusses apps in light of common usage and explores reimagined ways in which the way we view apps is changing.
On the mobile phone, there are currently two dominant operating systems, that provide the software on which a phone and its apps will operate. One of the mobile phone operating system is Android and the other is the Apple iOS.
Android and Apple iOS are incompatible systems, which means that apps developed for one platform cannot be installed on the other. This presents a challenge for people developing a mobile app, because it ideally means two apps have to be developed for the same idea: one for Android and the other for Apple iOS.
Developing two apps for the same app concept is both a technical and economic challenge. The technical side of it arises from the fact that the incompatible systems mean that, either a highly versatile developer proficient on both platforms is available to develop the app, or two separate teams are needed to develop the app idea.
Hiring two separate teams to execute on the same idea is expensive for the owner of the concept. The expense arises due to the fact that each team assigned to develop the app, will have its own cost for development. Essentially, the two teams will make use of separate and distinct technologies to achieve the task of developing the app.
Another notable aspect of mobile apps is the app stores. App stores are convenient places where users can download apps for their respective mobile device on a particular platform. To make things even more complicated, Android and Apple iOS each have their own version of an app store.
A reimagined paradigm in how apps are perceived is the concept of Progressive Web Apps. Progressive Web App (PWA) is a term used to denote a reimagined software development methodology.
Unlike traditional applications, progressive web apps are a hybrid of regular web pages (or websites) and a mobile application. This application model attempts to combine features offered by most modern browsers, with the benefits of the mobile experience.
Essentially, this brings together web and mobile technologies. Instead of thinking of web apps as being targeted on desktop or laptop computers, and mobile apps being focussed on mobile devices, PWA target all devices. Progressive web apps are designed to conform to whatever device is being used to view them through a browser.
In order to use a PWA, users do not need to install any special software. They also do not need to go through an app store. All they need is a browser that is already installed on their phone or computer. Users also have the option to add the app to their device home screen.
What is remarkable is that a PWA app will work, whether you are on Android or Apple iOS devices, like iPhone or iPad. This is one of the great advantages of PWA. Unlike native apps, which often means that two apps have to be developed, each for Android and Apple iOS, with Progressive Web Apps the app is developed once, to be used on all platforms including desktop or laptop.
Not only does this cut down on the costs of producing the app, but also ensures that users get a consistent experience, regardless of what device they are using. PWA are also smaller in size, and do not cost as much to the user as native apps in terms of network bandwidth.
Advantages to adopting Progressive Web Apps include the following:
In the convergence of apps between mobile technologies and web technologies, Progressive Web Apps are a big step in the right direction. Instead of thinking in silos of operation, PWA present the opportunity for consistency of the user experience across all devices.
Not only do owners of PWA achieve consistency, they also cut down on costs that would result from requiring two, or even 3 teams, to each develop the same app idea in the form of separate Android and iOS apps, as well as a web app. One App for all platforms, including computers and mobile devices, is a win-win for both the app owner and its users.
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