This article is based on my point of view and I’m open for any suggestion and another point of view
Current stage
After Microsoft allow developer submit PWA to Microsoft store it look like future of PWA is shining up. iOS is the latest browser supported PWA even is not perfect much but user still receive experience almost same another browser.
Why native app need a store
An application needs to install to your phone and quite not look good if the way that we do is ask developer put Installer file on the website and ask the user to download. With Installer file it’s can’t discover by itself. The store will useful for help user to access the app. The store also helps the developer to handle compatibility of device and OS compatibility. With the different OS will have the different way to develop even same OS API compatibility still a difference. The store still help to manage another issue such as Deal with internet connection when download, Malware detect and auto remove, Rating system, Subscription management. So this is no doubt with a store for a native application. We can conclude reason why we need a store with this following topic.
- Compatibility
- Discoverability
- Security
- Review-ability
- Install-ability
What PWA (Probably) don’t need store
I’m always said “PWA is web” “This is absolutely web”. One of the problem that PWA want to solve is distribution problem because with application need to install but PWA is not. With web technology you can access PWA with browser and almost browser is provide almost same an experience. So Compatibility issue is solve. Web is also indexed by search engine and access by URL it’s not perfect like a store but I think it is enough for access something quick. With Discoverability we don’t need to worry much. Security issue is always discussed because web can access hardware better than a past. However hardware access on web still limit if you compare with native application so risk of this issue still low. I think everyone already knew “Add to home screen” so we are fully Installable. Review-ability is the one that PWA not support yet I hope we will have any solution soon.
Discoverability of PWA is perfect?
It is “not” I’m not support store for PWA but I think idea of increase Discoverability is valid and should fully solve with Search Engine or any solution that existed for web. Hope one day I will see dedicate section of PWA in some search engine.
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