Progressive Web Apps and Hybrid Apps

When we think about mobile apps, we often picture platform-specific apps, the ones we download from app stores and install directly on our phones. But in mobile System Design, platform-specific development isn’t the only option worth considering. In some cases, constraints like tight timelines, limited resources, or the need for broad platform access push teams to explore alternatives. That’s where Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and hybrid apps come in.

These approaches aim to simplify development, reduce overhead, and reach users more easily across devices. While they may not offer the full depth of platform-specific performance or integration, they can solve real problems when speed, flexibility, or accessibility are the priority.

In this lesson, we’ll explore PWAs and hybrid apps, how they work, and how they compare to fully platform-specific apps. By the end, we’ll understand the features and limitations of each approach, and be able to identify situations where a PWA or hybrid app might be a better fit than developing a platform-specific app.

Let’s get started.

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are web applications that leverage modern browser APIs and enhancements to mimic platform-specific mobile app capabilities, such as offline access, push notifications, installability, and background sync, without requiring distribution through app stores. In mobile System Design, PWAs are considered a lightweight, cross-platform client alternative that simplifies development and deployment while still providing a responsive and app-like user experience.

PWAs are built with standard web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, yet include additional components like service workersService worker is a JavaScript file that runs in the browser in the background, managing network requests and caching to help the app work offline and load faster. and a web manifestWeb manifest is a JSON file that defines how the app looks and works when installed, including its name, icon, and display options. to enhance functionality and allow users to install the app directly to their home screen. The illustration below visually represents these key elements that make up a PWA:

Together, these features enable PWAs to load quickly, perform smoothly, and offer a more app-like experience compared to traditional websites.

To understand how this works in real-world use, let’s examine the main benefits and drawbacks of adopting PWAs.

Pros of PWAs

• Cross-platform reach: A single codebase runs on any modern browser, reducing development effort and simplifying updates.

• No install friction: Users can access the app instantly through a ...