Introducely is a progressive web app, also known as a PWA, which is different from the types of apps you download in the app store on your device. Find out more below and then download Introducely to make it convenient and easy to use.
What Is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?
Progressive web apps are apps that are designed for web use and built via a variety of web technologies such as HTML, JavaScript and various APIs. Depending on how the app is built, it can run directly from the website or in an offline form that you download. The offline form of the app mimics the functionality and look of the website for cohesive use whether you have an internet connection or not.
When you use a progressive web app when you’re not online, you won’t be able to upload or download information. However, you’re usually able to enter information that can be uploaded when you get back online.
Difference Between Progressive Web Apps and Apps From the App Store
The first difference between the two is how they’re developed. Native apps must be built using the programming languages required for the platform they’re intended for. Android, Apple and other platforms require unique coding languages. Progressive web apps, on the other hand, are built with the same programming languages used to create websites.
Another big difference between a progressive web app and a native app from the app store is how the app is delivered and deployed.
With an app from the app store, you must go to the specific store for your device and download the app. In some cases, this means data and settings may be limited to that version of the app. For example, if you download the Android version for your smartphone, you may have to download a different version for your Apple tablet. Depending on how the app is set up, the two may not fully sync.
You also have to ensure you update a native app by downloading the updates from the app store as they’re available. Progressive web apps live in the browser, so updates are automatic in real-time.
Benefits of a Progressive Web App
Progressive web apps provide a number of benefits for both developers and users.
Faster and More Efficient to Build
PWAs can usually be built in less time than native apps. That’s due mostly to the fact that you can code it one time and it works across all browsers. With native apps, you have to code things multiple times because each platform needs its own.
This is true even if you want the app to run on both desktop and mobile devices. Responsive design, which is a technology that helps automatically convert webpages to appear and work well on all screens, works with progressive web apps too.
For these reasons, PWAs are often more cost-effective than native apps. They also don’t require as much work to maintain, limiting costs in the future.
PWAs Are Discoverable Online
Progressive web apps can show up in the search engines and be found online like any other web page. That makes them easier for consumers to connect with, and the developers can use search engine optimization to market them rather than using more cumbersome app store optimization techniques that are required for native apps.
Easy to Access and Download
PWAs limit download requirements and save space on your computer and mobile devices. Depending on the progressive web app in question and how you want to use it, you might not have to download it at all. You could simply bookmark the URL and return to it each time you want to log in.
If you want to use the app offline or have easy access to it from your home screen, you can choose to download it. However, it still operates within the browser environment, so you’re not downloading a large file that contains an entire user interface. From the user perspective, “downloading” a PWA actually looks a lot like creating a shortcut for the app on the desktop or mobile home screen.
How to Download a Progressive Web App
Downloading a progressive web app is easy. It typically takes only a few clicks, though the process can look a bit different on various browsers and devices.
To Install a PWA in Chrome on Windows Devices
Windows users can navigate to the website in question. Once there, look at the browser bar above the page. To the left of the bookmark icon (the star on the right edge of the browser bar) you should see a separate icon. It may look like a computer monitor with a down arrow.
Hover over this icon with your mouse and it should say “Install (website).” For example, on YouTube, it says “Install YouTube.”
Click the icon. Then click install.
Almost immediately, a new page will pop up. This is the PWA version of the site. If you close or minimize your windows and look at your home screen or desktop, you’ll also see an icon for the site. You can double click or tap to open the site from that icon, which is typically much faster than navigating to the site via the browser bar online.
To Install a PWA in Microsoft Edge on Windows Devices
Chrome isn’t the only browser that lets you install progressive web apps. Here’s how to complete the process in Microsoft Edge:
- Navigate to the website in Edge
- Look for the three horizontal dots at the top right of the browser, typically right under the X used to close the browser.
- Click on “Apps” in the drop-down menu that appears.
- From the next drop-down menu, select the option to “Install” or “Install this site as an app.”
- A pop-up box may appear. If so, click “Install” or “OK” to confirm you want to continue.
As with an installation of a PWA through Chrome, an icon is placed on your desktop or home screen for easy access to your new web app.
To Install a PWA in Safari (for iOS devices)
If you want to install a PWA on an iOS device, you may want to use Safari for the most functionality for that type of device. Do this by:
• Opening the website in Safari.
• Looking for the “Share” button and tapping it.
• Choosing “Add to Home Screen” from the menu that appears.
You may be asked to name the app, and you can choose a name that works best for you.
The app now appears on the home screen just like any other app you might download on your device. Note that iOS may remove PWA icons if you haven’t used them in a while, so if that’s the case, you may need to redownload them.
To Install a PWA on Android Mobile Devices
Adding progressive web apps as an icon on your Android smartphone is easy. Simply follow the steps below.
- Navigate to the website in Google Chrome.
- Look for a “+” next to the address bar. If you don’t see that, look for three dots.
- Click the plus to automatically install the PWA as an icon on the home screen.
- If you click the three dots, look for either “Install” or “Add to Home Screen” in the menu that appears.
- Clicking “Add to Home Screen” will install the PWA as an icon.
- If you click “Install,” next select the option for adding the PWA to the home screen.
Download Introducely Today
Adding Introducely to your device as a progressive web app lets you access networking or money-making capabilities with a tap or click. It also lets you create requests or introductions when you’re offline that you can post when you have access to an internet signal. Download Introducely today for easier access to all our functions.