Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are Websites that perform like native apps, but work on all devices since they are not device specific. These apps work offline, are capable of sending push notifications to devices & can access device hardware, which makes them better than both ordinary Websites & native apps. Android & Microsoft support the protocol outright with all functionality, while Apple’s iOS supports certain methods without the push notification system.
How Do Progressive Web Apps Work Under The Hood?
According to Mozilla, the key functionality of these Web apps should be:
- Discoverable – can be found via search engines
- Installable – available on the device’s home screen or app launcher
- Linkable – can be shared via a URL
- Network independent – work offline or with a poor Internet connection
- Progressively enhanced – works on old & new browsers
- Re-engageable – can send notifications to users
- Responsively designed – works on all devices
- Secure – sensitive data is protected
5 PWA Building Tools For WordPress
The Super Progressive Web App plugin aims to convert any WordPress Website into a PWA instantly. Website owners will gain the benefit of most of the features associated with PWAs on the plugin’s free plan, which include, but are not limited to, very fast loading times, an app that can be installed on a user’s Home Screen & will function in offline mode. The Pro plan comes at a cost & includes CTAs, an Android APK APP generator & data analytics. The plugin is very easy to set up, but for optimal results read the requirements first (such as having icons ready to upload) so that the install is painless.
This plugin works with AMP forWP & AMP for WordPress by Automatti c(The makers of WordPress). It offers an impressive array of PWA functionality, such as a caching strategy, inclusion of a Service Worker, Home Screen banners, Web App Manifest, offline functionality & superfast loading times. The plugin supports many core features free of charge, but for users who want additional functionality, such as CTAs, data analytics & offline forms, the plugin offers various Pro plans
With over 40000 installs, this popular plugin promises to convert WordPress Websites into fast, reliable & engaging PWAs. The plugin is free to use & includes core PWA features such as, Service Workers & a Manifest file.
WordPress Website owners can use this plugin, which is free, to convert their Site into a PWA that supports Caching, installing, fast loading, offline usage & push notifications using the OneSignal protocol.
Based on Google Workbox, which assists in configuring Service Workers, this plugin will allow WordPress Site owners to convert their Websites to PWAs professionally & quickly. The plugin supports caching, offline usage & the opportunity for users to add the PWA to their Home Screens.
There are numerous options for WordPress webmasters to convert their sites to PWAs, all the above plugins will do an excellent job.
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