Progressive Web Apps are Web Applications, which meet the technical requirements defined in the official Checklist you can find here. Even tough they are Web Apps, they behave and feel like a native app, because they have implemented features like:

  • Usable when offline
  • Service Worker
  • Shows install prompts
  • Can be added to the home screen
  • Sends Push Notifications

Fast loading

The basis of PWA are fast loading times. Specifically: loading time for the first visit should be <10s, even on a 3G network. This can be achieved by optimizing the webpage or with tools like AMP, which can help to reduce the page loading time to 3s. In order to test, if your website verifies as fast enough, you can check it with the Chrome extension “Lighthouse” in the Developer Console.

The PageSpeed Insight Tool can help you to recognize what is to improve and what steps you can take to a better performance.

The Lighthouse Tool can run an overall performance test on your web app. Lighthouse generates an extensive Report for you, including PWA, SEO and Accessibility.

Usable when offline

The most significant factor of PWA is that they can be accessed and used while being offline. This is achieved with the Service Worker, which will download the page in the background. When the user now visits the page again while not being connected to the internet, he can still view and interact with it.

The Service Worker

A Service Worker is a programmable network proxy that lets you control how network requests from your page are handled. With a Service Worker, you can do the following:

  • Using the Fetch API, so we can serve resources from the cache when the user is offline
  • With the Push API we can display the Push
  • Notifications to the user
  • Background Sync API to send data when online, but saved in the PWA when offline

Installation prompts

It’s nice to be able to use a page when being offline, but no one types in a URL when being offline – because users are simply not used to that. That’s why they should be able to install the app – and that’s what they can do.

With the installation prompt, they can download the app for offline usage and the app icon will be added to the Home Screen – just like a native app.

Installation

  • Downloads content page
  • Prompts user to install the app and to add it to the home screen
  • If the user installs it, the app icon will be added to the Home Screen

Launches from the home screen

To make the Web App feel truly native, the Home Screen Icon is a Must. Combined with the Launch screen, this is what sets it apart from websites.

Push notifications

Push notifications are the one helpful tool to get people’s attention.

If you are interested to learn more about the topic, read our second article about Progressive Web Applications.

News from ERNI

In our newsroom, you find all our articles, blogs and series entries in one place.

  • 06.12.2023.
    Newsroom

    Streamlining software development: The journey from multiple to unified requirements management tools

    Productivity in software development is slowed down by managing specifications across various requirements management (RM) tools. Although moving to a single, updated RM tool involves an upfront investment, the long-term benefits are considerable. These include increased process efficiency, enhanced collaboration, superior traceability, improved software specification quality, cost reductions, scalability and better integration with other RM tools, among others.

  • 22.11.2023.
    Newsroom

    Recognising trends: An insight into regression analysis

    Data plays a very important role in every area of a company. When it comes to data, a distinction is made primarily between operational data and dispositive data. Operational data play an important role, especially in day-to-day business. However, they are not nearly as relevant as dispositive data. This is because these data are collected over a longer period of time and provide an initial insight into the history or the past.

  • 08.11.2023.
    Newsroom

    Why do we need digital transformation for medical devices?

    For hospitals, it is not up for discussion as to whether they want to digitalise. The increasing age of the population in western countries and the progressive shortage of medical professionals mean that without digitalisation, the healthcare system will not be able to provide the quality that patients want in the future.

  • 25.10.2023.
    Newsroom

    Mastering the challenges of mobile app testing: Strategies for efficient quality assurance

    Discover the unique challenges faced in testing mobile applications and learn how to overcome them effectively. From selecting suitable devices and operating systems to leveraging cloud-based test platforms, test automation and emulators, this article provides seven essential strategies for optimising your mobile app testing process.

  • 11.10.2023.
    Newsroom

    Incorporating classical requirements engineering methods in agile software development for a laboratory automation system

    Traditional agile methodologies can sometimes struggle to accommodate the complexity and regulatory requirements of laboratory automation systems, leading to misalignment with stakeholder needs, scope creep, and potential delays. The lack of comprehensive requirements documentation can result in ambiguous expectations and hinder effective communication among cross-functional teams.

  • 27.09.2023.
    Newsroom

    Unveiling the power of data: Part III – Navigating challenges and harnessing insights in data-driven projects

    Transforming an idea into a successful machine learning (ML)-based product involves navigating various challenges. In this final part of our series, we delve into two crucial aspects: ensuring 24/7 operation of the product and prioritising user experience (UX).

  • 13.09.2023.
    Newsroom

    Exploring Language Models: An overview of LLMs and their practical implementation

    Generative AI models have recently amazed with unprecedented outputs, such as hyper-realistic images, diverse music, coherent texts, and synthetic videos, sparking excitement. Despite this progress, addressing ethical and societal concerns is crucial for responsible and beneficial utilization, guarding against issues like misinformation and manipulation in this AI-powered creative era.

  • 01.09.2023.
    Newsroom

    Peter Zuber becomes the new Managing Director of ERNI Switzerland

    ERNI is setting an agenda for growth and innovation with the appointment of Peter Zuber as Managing Director of the Swiss business unit. With his previous experience and expertise, he will further expand the positioning of ERNI Switzerland, as a leading consulting firm for software development and digital innovation.