PWA vs. SPA: How Are They Different & Which Is Better In 2024?

The digital world is so advanced that operating an online business using only an essential website is similar to going to a shootout equipped with an inflatable duck. While it's adorable, it won't aid you in winning. Selecting the best web design and development method is vital to creating user-friendly and successful websites. There are two main options: progressive web applications (PWAs) and single-page apps (SPAs).

If you're planning to create a Progressive Web App Development or a website that is more powerful than an average website, you could be faced with the decision of building a PWA and SPA. If you're unfamiliar with both concepts, you'll likely have encountered them online. SPAs and PWAs are commonplace today and relatively simple to develop, but they offer significant performance, user experience, and speed advantages.

In the race of developers and businesses to provide better user experience, It is essential to know the distinctions and advantages between the two strategies. PWAs and SPAs have distinct advantages and meet different user demands.

However, what's the main difference between these two? Which option is better if you plan to develop an interactive app or website? Learn more about it and discover.

What Is a PWA?

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a form of web application that uses advanced web technologies to offer users the experience of native apps. Google introduced this concept in 2015 to allow companies to better serve users across different devices with one code base.

PWAs can be used with any device, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. They can be downloaded using an internet browser. They're built to be secure, quick, efficient, and enjoyable, with functions like offline support, push notifications, and even offline mode.

PWAs are developed using standard web technology like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and are simpler to create and manage than native applications. Search engines find web pages and share them via URLs, making PWAs more accessible and searchable than native applications.

How Does a Progressive Web App Work?

Let's look into the essential aspects of these apps. These are the key elements that distinguish PWAs from other single-page programs.

• The Service Worker script is a program that runs in the background. It allows access to various features that don't require interaction with the website or the user. 

• A Web App Manifest file holds all of this data on one webpage - such as its description, icons, names, and more - while serving as the gateway between web servers and applications on mobile platforms. HTTPS protocol provides security for your connection.

• App Shell provides the minimum HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to power a user interface. Its architecture can separate the application's core infrastructure and the UI from the data, ensuring that the application runs at a high speed.

The service worker functions as an intermediary between the application, the browser, and the Internet. It stores the website's assets and intercepts requests from the network. This allows the website to function offline and offer other functions, such as push notifications. In addition, service employees are able to perform complex calculations. That is why PWA Development is speedy and works effectively.

Advantages Of PWAs

Let's look at the benefits and strengths of SPAs and PWAs, beginning with the benefits of Progressive Web Apps.

Rapid And Reliable Performance

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) were designed to provide users with an efficient and smooth experience. They employ various methods to improve their applications' performance, such as caching, service worker, compression and minification, and code splitting. Caching allows PWAs to save documents like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files in devices used by users, which reduces the quantity of data required to download and speeds up loading time.

Service workers permit PWAs to function offline and in poor-quality network conditions by intercepting network requests and then cache the data and assets. Minimization and compression can minimize the size of asset files, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files. They could also speed up loading time. 

Code splitting lets PWAs load only the necessary code required for the particular mode of operation instead of loading all the code in one go. This could lower the load speed of the application and enhance the overall performance.

It Is Cost-Effective To Construct

One of the primary benefits of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) is that they're much cheaper to create and maintain than native mobile applications. PWAs can be built with web technology (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript). Therefore, unlike native applications, it is unnecessary to develop an app that works on every native platform, such as Android and iOS. This reduces the time and effort spent in the development process, allowing you to launch your app sooner without breaking the bank. 

This also reduces the expenses of maintaining the app since you'll keep one application instead of a native application. Furthermore, because PWAs can be accessed via search engines, you do not need to add your apps to app stores. This means you can save on the costs associated with app stores and the arduous reviewing procedure.

Offline Functionality

Like native applications, PWAs can be accessed offline. This allows continuous sessions, allowing users to browse the content they want to view and perform specific tasks even if they're not connected to the Internet or have a connection.

Offline functionality is provided through service workers. These are basically scripts running in the background, intercepting internet requests. Service workers save resources locally and allow apps to connect even if the user is not online.

Automatic Updates

PWAs allow you to release automatic updates without users needing to update the app manually by downloading the store. After you update your PWA, your app will download the latest version automatically in the background. This way, the next users launch the app, they'll get the most recent version. 

Automated updates let you install patches right away, which minimizes the chance of security vulnerabilities and improves user experience. It's a minor merit; however, repeatedly soliciting a user to download the latest version of a mobile app currently in development is an enormous pain to the stomach!

Quick Installation

In contrast to native apps native to the device, users cannot access the app store to search for, download, and install the PWA manually. This is a site that will show up on search results in search results. If users visit the site first, they'll be asked to download the app to the device. After installation, it can display the PWA, which will appear as a web shortcut on the home screen. Its quick and easy installation procedure enhances the visibility of your application and user experience.

Read More: Define PWA: How Progressive Web Apps Work & Their Value in 2024

What Is a SPA?

Single-page applications (SPAs) are web-based applications that load one HTML page and update its content constantly as the user interacts with the app. Since content doesn't get downloaded from a server, it's displayed as users scroll.

This is how you browse your timeline or feed on social media. As users navigate through the website, it only updates the information that has changed, but it doesn't necessarily load the whole page. This allows for fast interaction and an effortless user experience. The SPAs are developed using JavaScript frameworks such as React or Angular, which allow programmers to build dynamic and flexible user interfaces.

How Does SPA Work?

The SPA structure is quite simple and includes server-side and client-side technology. First, the client requests to load the application and all pertinent assets, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files. If the application is complicated, the initial set of files may be huge. Thus, the app's initial view may take a while to display. At this point, the user may see a loading symbol.

Then, whenever the user browses within the one-page web app, an API triggers it to request new data. The server returns only the necessary data, generally in JSON format. The browser is notified of this data and refreshes the application view. The user can then view this information without restarting the webpage while the application remains on the same page. The view only changes when some aspects of the page are changed.

Single-page applications are an excellent choice for those who want to create an interactive interface with various client-side functionality. Most likely, you are using SPA all the time without knowing that you are using it. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and many other sites use these SPAs to simplify the user experience and make a continuous news feed.

Advantages Of SPAs

Below are a few of the most significant advantages of single-page applications over standard web-based applications:

Performance

SPAs are typically more efficient and quicker than Progressive Web Application Development because the website doesn't have to connect with the server and loads the entire page when required to display users with new content. It may take longer to load initially because it must load the entire set of HTML and CSS resources simultaneously (instead of loading them all for one page); however, after that, it should speed up dramatically.

Simple To Construct

One of the advantages of single-page applications (SPAs) is that they're generally more straightforward to create than traditional web-based applications. This is because SPAs just require one codebase instead of separate codes for each page. In turn, this helps save time and energy for firms, allowing the developers to concentrate on developing and improving their applications instead of dealing with the hassle of managing multiple codebases.

When using a standard web application, every page is distinct and uses its own distinct HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code. It can be difficult to manage changes across pages, and this can also add complexity to the web application.

Offline Functionality

Like PWAs, SPAs employ service workers to store data, allowing the application to run even if users are offline. This is particularly useful for companies that have to assist users in regions with no or poor internet connectivity.

PWA vs SPA: What's The Difference

Web development techniques are cutting-edge and give their users the most engaging experience for their users. But they differ from one another in many aspects. Here's a look at the ways they vary based on:

Web development techniques are cutting-edge and give their users the most engaging experience for their users. They differ, however, from one another in several ways. We'll look at how they vary based on:

Speed

While both technologies provide high speed, PWAs can beat SPAs. This is because PWAs employ service workers to handle the excessive JavaScript overhead. In Progressive web apps, this is because the JavaScript footprint gets reduced.

Cost

SPA development tends to be quicker and less expensive than PWA development. Ready-made frameworks and libraries provide the most powerful tools for developing SPA applications. Furthermore, regarding SPA development, the backend and front-end developers may collaborate on projects simultaneously.

UX/UI

While both methods allow the creation of a look and feel that resembles an app, PWAs are much more enjoyable and reliable when connected to an insecure connection.

Security

Security-related issues need more significant consideration when developing SPAs. SPAs are particularly susceptible to cross-site scripting (XSS), which allows attackers to insert malicious code on websites using an approach that helps the users' browser execute the malicious script. To prevent attacks like this, be sure to test your SPA correctly. PWAs are less susceptible to security concerns because every PWA connection is made via a secure HTTPS source.

Accessibility

In comparison to SPAs, they always come with a manifest file. This means that they're downloadable, installable, and available.

Which One Is Better: PWA vs. SPA?

If we have examined every technology, Let's compare those criteria.

Security

They are less secure than PWAs since they are susceptible to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. XSS attacks occur when an attacker inserts malicious code onto the page executed by the victim's browser. This can enable the attacker to access sensitive data or carry out other malicious activities. PWAs, however, offer fewer security threats as all requests pass through HTTPS. 

PWAs are web pages; therefore, they are crawlable and discoverable through search engines. Search engines can scan the contents of PWAs. PWA while users discover the PWA when they search for pertinent phrases.

SPAs are, on their own, internet-based applications made to be responsive and fast. They're built with JavaScript and aim to offer a seamless and effortless user experience. Since SPAs can only load one HTML page that is dynamically updated pages with fresh content while the user is browsing the page. Search engines find them more accessible to index and rank; their algorithms utilize HTML pages' structure and content in order to grasp their significance and meaning.

Development Costs

Developing a PWA can be costlier than creating an SPA since it is the server-side and a client-side application. PWAs PWA requires a server backend for rendering server-side data storage, as well as various other tasks that require servers and can further increase the development cost.

In contrast, the SPA is a client-side app wholly loaded by the client and doesn't need a server behind it. Therefore, the development cost for an SPA could be less than that of a PWA. PWA, in particular, is for more straightforward applications with no server-side capabilities.

Performance

PWAs tend to be quicker and more responsive than traditional web applications because they're designed to download content from a server and cache the contents to make it available offline. The initial load times may be longer than the others, but subsequent loadings will be much faster since the application can access information from a cache rather than having to make a journey back to the server.

SPAs can be loaded directly by the user and don't need an entire page refresh to update the content. This can help the application seem more user-friendly and responsive because users can navigate different parts of the app without waiting for the whole page to load. 

However, SPAs can be slower than PWAs when it is time to load the first page because they have to download the entire set of components before displaying them. But it's important to note that PWAs and SPAs can be optimized for performance through code optimization, image optimization, caching, and other performance-enhancing technologies.

User Experience

In comparing the user experience between PWA and SPA, PWA focuses on providing a similar experience to native apps in a web browser. It's designed to be quick, reliable, and enjoyable, with attributes like offline functionality like push notifications and fluid transitions. Progressive Web Development have been created using flexible design concepts, which adapt to the different sizes of screens and platforms, ensuring the same user experience across all platforms. They can be placed on the phone's main screen, and PWAs offer a convenient means for users to open and use the app.

SPAs, on the other hand, focus on interaction and smooth navigation. They give a fluid and receptive user experience by changing content in real-time without needing a complete page to reload. They provide a similar experience to a desktop, where users can move between various application sections without interruptions. They typically feature smooth transitions, animated effects, and interactive components that enhance user experience.

PWAs offer advantages regarding users' experience. They offer ease of accessibility across devices and offline features, whereas SPAs provide smooth and engaging navigation. In the end, the decision between PWAs and SPAs is based on the particular specifications and goals of the app, the targeted audience, and the desired user experience.

Updates And Maintenance Are Easy To Do

PWAs are typically simpler to update and maintain because they're located on servers and can roll out centrally. Any upgrades or bug fixes are implemented on the server and automatically reflected in the app's users. SPAs, however, need updates to be distributed to every user's device separately. This makes updates and maintenance time-consuming and costly, particularly in apps with a significant customer base.

However, both design patterns can be implemented into an ongoing development/continuous deployment (CI/CD) workflow in order to simplify releasing updates and making code modifications.

Conclusion

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and Single Page Apps (SPAs) are two popular choices for building modern web-based applications. However, they are different in terms of speed, security, and maintenance. The best choice for your application depends on its specific requirements and available tools.

PWAs provide a native-like experience to users. They include functions like push notifications and offline support. They are also often more suitable for optimizing search results (SEO) as they're found by search engines as regular sites. However, they may require additional development resources and know-how to develop and may be more costly to update and maintain since they require a server behind the scenes.

SPAs, on the other hand, provide a more fluid and smooth user experience because they don't need complete page refreshes to refresh information. They're generally simpler to create and quicker to load at first; however, they could be slow to be updated and are less suited to crawl and index.

Both are extremely efficient for developers and users. Which approach is best for your specific project? There isn't a universal solution. You must look at the needs of your project objectives, the goals you have set, and your capabilities as a project manager.