What’s the difference between a Web App and a Website?

A website is a collection of web pages that are accessible on the internet and typically provides information to users. It can be a static website that displays content that rarely changes, or a dynamic website that regularly updates its content. Websites can be created for various purposes, such as showcasing a company’s products or services, providing information on a topic, or serving as a platform for blogging or publishing.

On the other hand, a web app (short for web application) is a software application that runs on a web browser and performs specific tasks or functions. It usually involves more complex functionality than a typical website and often requires user interaction. Examples of web apps include online banking systems, social media platforms, online shopping platforms, and web-based email clients.

Do I need A PWA?

There are several reasons why someone might need a web app or Progressive Web App (PWA) over a traditional website:

1. Enhanced User Experience: Web apps and PWAs provide a more interactive and engaging user experience than traditional websites. They offer features such as push notifications, offline access, and the ability to add them to a device’s home screen. This can result in increased user engagement and retention.
2. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Web apps and PWAs are designed to work seamlessly across different platforms and devices, including desktop computers, smartphones, and tablets. This means that users can access the app from any device with an internet connection, without the need to download or install anything.
3. Lower Development Costs: Web apps and PWAs can be developed using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are widely used and well-documented. This makes the development process faster and more cost-effective than developing native mobile apps for different platforms.
4. Easy Maintenance and Updates: Since web apps and PWAs are accessed through a web browser, they can be updated instantly without the need for users to download or install anything. This also means that maintaining and updating the app is easier and more cost-effective.
5. Improved Performance: PWAs are designed to load quickly and provide a fast and seamless user experience, even on slow or unreliable network connections. This can be particularly useful for users in areas with limited internet connectivity.

Web apps and PWAs offer several advantages over traditional websites, including enhanced user experience, cross-platform compatibility, lower development costs, easy maintenance and updates, and improved performance.