What is the difference between PWA & Regular Web App?

A progressive web application (PWA) is a type of web application that is designed to work seamlessly across multiple devices and platforms, including desktop, mobile, and tablet. It combines the features and functionality of a traditional native mobile application with the accessibility and convenience of a web application, making it easy for users to access and use from any device with a web browser.

In contrast, a regular web application is a type of software application that is accessed and used through a web browser, but it does not have the same capabilities as a PWA. A regular web application may not work as well across different devices and platforms, and it may not have offline capabilities or the ability to receive push notifications.

Some key differences between PWAs and regular web applications include:

• Progressive enhancement: PWAs are designed to work on any device, regardless of whether it has the latest features or capabilities. They use progressive enhancement to ensure that the core functionality is available to all users, while still providing a rich and enhanced experience for users on newer devices.
• Offline capabilities: PWAs are designed to work offline or in low-connectivity environments, using service workers to cache data and resources locally. This allows users to access and use the app even when they do not have an internet connection.
• Installability: PWAs can be installed on a device like a native app, and they can be launched from the home screen without the need to open a web browser. This makes it easier for users to access the app and can improve the overall user experience.
• Push notifications: PWAs can send push notifications to users, even when the app is not in use, which can be a useful way to keep users engaged and informed.

Overall, a PWA is a type of web application that is designed to provide a seamless and enhanced user experience across multiple devices and platforms, while a regular web application is a traditional web application that is accessed and used through a web browser.

The advantage of Progressive Web Apps

There are several advantages to using progressive web applications (PWAs) over traditional native mobile applications or regular web applications:

• Improved performance: PWAs are designed to load quickly and perform well, even on devices with limited resources or low connectivity. They use advanced web technologies such as service workers and caching to improve the overall performance and user experience.
• Offline capabilities: PWAs are designed to work offline or in low-connectivity environments, using service workers to cache data and resources locally. This allows users to access and use the app even when they do not have an internet connection.
• Cross-platform compatibility: PWAs are designed to work seamlessly across multiple devices and platforms, including desktop, mobile, and tablet. This makes it easy for users to access and use the app from any device with a web browser.
• Easy to maintain and update: PWAs can be easily updated and maintained, as they do not require users to download and install updates like traditional native mobile apps.
• Discoverability: PWAs can be found through search engines and can be shared through links, making it easier for users to discover and access the app.
• Cost-effective: Developing and maintaining a PWA is typically less expensive than developing and maintaining a native mobile app for each platform.

The advantage of Regular Web Apps

Regular web applications, also known as traditional web applications, are software applications that are accessed and used through a web browser. Some advantages of regular web applications include:

• Wide accessibility: Regular web applications can be accessed from any device with a web browser, making them widely accessible to users.
• Easy to update and maintain: Regular web applications can be easily updated and maintained, as users do not need to download and install updates like they would with native mobile apps.
• Discoverability: Regular web applications can be found through search engines and can be shared through links, making it easier for users to discover and access the app.
• Cost-effective: Developing and maintaining a regular web application is typically less expensive than developing and maintaining a native mobile app for each platform.

However, regular web applications may not have the same capabilities as progressive web applications (PWAs) or native mobile apps, and they may not work as well across different devices and platforms. They may also not have offline capabilities or the ability to receive push notifications.