Two rivals with the same technologies – Progressive Web Apps and JavaScript-based Electron framework. There are many technologies in the market to empower the business. But, PWA and electron.js are the emerging platforms that are used by top tech companies to meet their business goals.
To detail you all about these new technologies, we have prepared a long guide for you, where we’ll compare these technologies and share the pros and cons of each one.
Table of Contents
What is PWA?
Progressive web apps are the hottest trends these days. Also, tech giants like Google and Microsoft support them. They look and act like native apps. PWAs can run on any device irrespective of the operating system. Progressive apps use advanced web technologies such as CSS, JavaScript, and HTML to provide users with a seamless experience with fast navigation and visual elements.
Progressive applications show the hybrid appearance of both websites and mobile apps. Because it can run on any platform, leading companies such as Twitter, Alibaba, etc, are being moved to PWAs: Here are the results they get:-
- Higher User Engagement
- Improve conversion rates
- Better User Experience
- Increased the average time spent per session
- Visit a twice number of pages per session
Read: Check the Best PWA examples to see exponential growth in their business.
What is an electron?
Electron or Electron framework is an open-source software framework similar to progressive web apps. Formerly known as Atom Shell, GitHub developed and maintained this JavaScript-based technology.
It allows creating the native applications using the same technologies that PWA uses – i.e., Web, CSS, JavaScript. However, unlike PWA, Electron uses web technologies to build functional desktop applications.
It is tough to distinguish between electron-based applications and other desktop applications. Some essential applications that you might use but are not aware of, those native desktop applications could be electron-based, including Skype, Visual Studion, Discord, etc.
Decide which is better than the other: Electron or PWA
Electron is much better than PWA in terms of some factors. But, some developer says Electron-based apps are losing the game, especially when users are now demanding the omnichannel that progressive apps offer.
However, other factors can help you decide between Electron and PWA. So, we have prepared a list of features to compare both technologies:-
- Electron platforms are used to create desktop-based applications, that so you can’t install or use them on mobile devices.
- It faces problems in updating or during the deployment process.
- Doesn’t show top performance when loads.
- It weighs less than a desktop application but weighs up to 50Mb.
- Electron Framework creates a web application wrapped in a native app container. It doesn’t offer much security as it runs on the desktop.
- PWA Hybrid applications can be installed and used on mobile devices.
- Web apps can update on the server-side and also during the installing process.
- Easily runs on any browser or device, including tablets, desktops, and smartphones.
- Easy and faster loads, as it catches the resources of everything on the fly.
- PWA is a lightweight web app and weighs under one megabyte.
- PWA is just a better platform with security since it relies entirely on secure connections (HTTPS) maintained by the browser-side.
Why PWA is popular over electron?
Electron is an outdated technology, which is soon-to-be stopped using by the developers. I extensively used it for desktop applications. Many companies are planning to convert their existing electron-based desktop apps into PWA. However, it is a complicated process to do. Converting PWA into electrons is much easier.
- Cross-browser compatibility.
- Provides user-friendly and engaging front-end design
- Omnichannel feature to provide seamless same user experience across all platforms.
- Need to write separate codebases for different platforms for the Electron platform.
- Build a single progressive web application for all the devices.
When should you choose Electron over PWA apps?
PWAs can’t be a fit option for all business models. In that case, Electron can show a better performance. Electron works on a JavaScript-based framework, which allows us to create cross-platform app development easier because all platforms use web technologies. In the end, you don’t need to waste your time creating desktop apps with the Electron framework.
Final thoughts
PWAs and Electrons are useful in certain situations depending on the demands and goals of your business. Electron is an affordable solution If you enjoy working on projects with a bigger community.PWA is helpful when you want to increase the engagements, market your products, and waste any money on creating two versions of the same app.
Electron provides access to the APIs packed in the operating system, it also works best in the user model, unlike PWA. With Progressive mobile apps, you can see the potential growth in the business. The future of PWAs is bright.
