Due to the growing demand for smartphone technology, the need for mobile applications has also grown, and the need for websites has even exceeded. For instance, the most advanced mobile features like Push notifications and offline assistance, currently widely accepted by users, usually surpass those of websites based on the market and user demand.
However, you can use progressive web app (PWA) technology to provide an application-like experience for users. Progressive Web App Development frameworks help developers build PWAs with features that aren’t available on standard websites. The frameworks are equipped with tools and libraries to facilitate the creation of PWAs with native-like features. Frameworks such as React, Angular, Ionic, and others enable developers to build high-performance PWAs that provide users with a seamless experience across different devices.
This blog will discuss the best Progressive Web App Development frameworks for creating PWAs using their primary capabilities. We will also discuss crucial aspects to consider that will help choose the best framework.
What is Progressive Web Development?
Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) are mobile apps that utilize the most popular web technologies, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, to create applications. As a rule, PWA applications are designed with the most advanced characteristics of Web pages and native mobile apps. PWAs provide the look and capabilities of native mobile apps but have limitations on capabilities native to them.
In addition to the limitations of native application features, PWAs can provide numerous benefits, such as quick, reliable, enjoyable offline work, optimized performance, and more. Furthermore, PWAs are most preferred due to their adaptability across different devices and platforms.
Progressive Web App Development Frameworks to Know in 2024
These are our top seven PWA development frameworks to consider when planning your next venture. Each one has distinctive benefits and addressing various requirements for development:
ReactJS
The framework was released by Facebook today, Meta, in 2013. React is a well-liked option for developers because of its vast JavaScript library. This Progressive Web Application development framework allows you to create single-page and multi-page apps and ensures the content is loaded and changed on the same page. It uses JSX to render the functions that connect HTML structures, making a React PWA application.
Pros
- React-powered PWAs offer greater flexibility and can be scaled with other packages.
- Developers can use the same software for native applications.
- This rendering procedure is fast due to Virtual DOM.
- The Progressive Web App development framework utilizes various JavaScript libraries and allows the creation of API-based interactions, server-side, static pages, and routing.
Cons
- React PWA is a React PWA solution that needs knowledge of JSX and JavaScript.
- Implementation can be complex due to the absence of a clear and defined process.
- Moving from AngularJS is complicated due to the existence of JSX.
- The more you want flexibility, the more significant issues will arise within the React PWA application.
AngularJS
Google created AngularJS in 2010. It uses the JavaScript ecosystem to develop solid and reliable PWAs. Angular 5, launched in 2017, was the first version to include PWAs. This Progressive Web App development framework allows the creation of a PWA via a JSON configuration, eliminating the requirement to create a new web application.
In contrast to previous versions, which required proficiency, Angular 8 has two additional CLI commands, making it more leisurely to install web apps on mobile devices.
Pros
- The process is simple because there is a clear and defined method.
- Similar to React, It also has a large developer community.
- Google manages and maintains its code, which guarantees smooth operation and support.
- CLI’s contribution has shortened the learning curve of the framework.
Cons
- It requires the knowledge of Typescript to utilize this Progressive Web App development framework.
- While it has been reduced, AngularJS is tangibly more complex than the other Progressive Web App frameworks.
VueJS
Vue is an open-source, front-end JavaScript framework released under the MIT license. It is primarily driven by users, and it’s simple to start with Vue. It can speed up the progressive web development process using options like route routing, fast rendering, and simple coding.
Pros
- Like React, you can use additional software to scale the application using Vue JS.
- The developer’s community highly appreciates the clear and thorough documentation.
- Vue provides quick delivery of products that are ideal for creating MVPs and smaller solutions.
- It can handle sophisticated or dynamic programs.
Cons
- While the code isn’t new and straightforward to master, a few Vue developers are available on the marketplace.
- As a large firm that does not have its own Progressive Web App development framework, its support team is small.
- The benefit of flexibility can cause problems in frameworks like the Progressive Web App frameworks when employed.
Ionic
The open-source SDK Ionic is built in Angular and Apache Cordova Progressive Web App Development frameworks. Created in 2013, it is currently used in the development of over 5 million hybrid apps.
Ionic’s vast collection of components available for iOS and Android makes it the ideal choice in PWA design. It is also an excellent tool for building web pages within the device browser using WebView.
Pros
- Since it’s open-source, Ionic is free, so you don’t have to buy it. The cost of pwa development is also very low, making it a great option for small-scale businesses.
- Ionic is an application accessible to anybody familiar with Angular and web technology.
- It’s easy to maintain thanks to the aid of debugging tools as well as integrated browser tools.
- Ionic has an extensive library of API access plugins that don’t require code.
Cons
- Updates frequently occur, requiring the reworking of existing PWAs to reflect these modifications. This could become tedious with time.
Svelte
Similar to Vue Svelte, it is a brand-new framework based on components. Though written differently, it is positioned as a “reactive framework” in the market. The MIT license licenses it. The most recent edition was made available in 2024 and was quickly accepted by The New York Times and GoDaddy.
Pros
- Svelte is a faster-loading browser, the bundle is smaller, syntactic analysis is more efficient, and execution is less bloated.
- The framework is flexible yet straightforward since it supports simple CSS in conjunction with other CSS Progressive Web Frameworks for Apps.
- The Svelte template starter comes with PWA, the PWA Package, which includes the essential server workers and boilerplates for meta-data social sharing.
Cons
- The framework is brand new, and therefore, the support from the community needs to be more present.
- Implementation can be complex because the documentation still needs to be appropriately developed.
- It does not support TypeScript.
Polymer
Although it was developed through Google, Polymer is also an open-source web application framework. It offers a range of templates, PWA instruments, and web-based components. The framework uses HTML, JS, and CSS, making it an entirely independent framework.
Polymer’s tools and components also work with various browsers, including Chrome or Opera, making It extraordinarily accessible and flexible.
Pros
- The APIs are easy to comprehend.
- It includes excellent documentation that makes the process easier.
- Polymer allows full web app stack support, which includes adaptive layouts, data tiers, and routing.
Cons
- Polymer isn’t equipped with the Office IDE.
- The framework needs to be SEO-optimized, which defeats the goal of creating a web-based application.
- It has a long page loading time, which is different from PWAs.
- This Progressive Web App development framework sometimes requires debugging tools due to the development tools embedded within it.
PWABuilder
The company was founded with Microsoft. PWABuilder is an open-source PWA framework that gives developers one of the most efficient ways to build components that make an app that is compatible across platforms and devices. PWABuilder is a thriving community of developers and allows Android and iOS progressive web application development.
Pros
- It transforms websites into PWAs with minimal or no work on progressive web development.
- PWABuilder provides the most efficient method for developing a PWA. Simply type PWABuilder’s URL into the input field, and it will analyze the necessary components to create PWAs.
- You can download the created PWA package or upgrade the web app by adding other features.
Cons
- The drawback of flexibility causes problems for the PWA when it’s used. Modifying the web application is not easy!
- Automated processes also make managing the process more challenging.
Conclusion
Progressive Web Application Development is becoming increasingly significant in the digital world, providing users with a seamless and exciting experience. The selection of frameworks and tools plays a substantial part during PWA development. Based on the requirements of your project and your knowledge of specific technology, our internet app development firm can help you select Angular, React, Vue.js, and other tools such as PWA Builder and Workbox to develop quality PWAs.
Furthermore, tools such as Lighthouse aid in optimizing performance, and frameworks such as Ionic, Polymer, Gatsby, and Webpack provide unique benefits to accommodate various development needs. When you select the appropriate tools and framework in this selection, you will be assured that the PWA is functional, well-designed, feature-rich, and capable of meeting the needs of modern mobile and web users. The progressive web app development firm can assist you throughout the PWA development process, assisting in delivering outstanding user experience.
