Mobile App development

A mobile application is a digital tool developed for specific use on mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets.

These mobile applications can be designed to distribute video games, online services, organization and productivity tools, such as real exchange or e-commerce platforms, in mobile format.

Their strength: offering digital services and an optimized user experience on mobile, by adapting design and interface to the reduced size of the screen, while taking advantage of the portability of mobile devices, the number one advantage of mobile compared to computers.

These mobile applications are generally available for download from application distribution platforms, such as the App Store for Apple devices and the Google Play Store for Android devices.

A Progressive Web App (or PWA) is a so-called “progressive” web application (or “Web app”) that combines the technologies and functionalities of websites and mobile applications.

To put it simply, it is a mix between website and application: your web application can be viewed both on mobile and on computer, unlike so-called “native” applications that are generally only viewable on mobile.

Unlike traditional (native) apps, PWAs do not require downloading from an app store and can be accessed directly through a web browser on any device, whether desktop, a smartphone or tablet.

In summary: A PWA is a web applicationthat offers a user experience similar to that of native applications, but whichis accessible via a web browser without requiring a download from an app store.

Are you hesitating between PWA and Native Application for your project?
Here are some key points to make you lean in favor of Web Applications (or PWA):

–The cross-platform code:with or without downloading, PWAs work on all types of devices to distribute your content on computer, smartphone or tablet. With the PWA, you opt for all-in-one! A website + a mobile application. What more ?

–SEO:Like traditional websites, PWAs are referenced by search engines. By building the content of your application well, you will be able to benefit from the visibility offered by natural referencing (SEO) and thus attract new users, even outside the Stores. Don’t hesitate to ask your web agency for advice to boost the SEO of your application!

– Easy access to your content:PWAs can be used on all devices, regardless of the nature or version of the operating system (OS). Whether your target users use x or y version of Apple, Windows, Linux or Android, your application will be accessible to them without the need for downloads or OS updates. Your users will even be able to add your PWA to their home screen without having to go through the app store, which further simplifies installation and encourages action!

– Automatic updates:PWAs update automatically, without requiring intervention from your users. You are therefore assured that your users all have the latest version of the application, to ensure the security of the application and its content.

– Controlled hosting:A PWA is not necessarily hosted on the App Distribution Stores. You can freely choose the host of your application, like for a website. Perhaps this is a good opportunity for green, efficient and GDPR-compliant hosting to take part in a responsible digital approach?

– Enhanced security:PWAs notably use the HTTPS protocol to ensure data security. By choosing your host, you can also define the security level and ensure the GDPR compliance of your application. Your content and your users’ data will be safe there.

– Optimized performance:Thanks to the latest web technologies, PWAs are designed to be fast and responsive, providing a smooth user experience even in difficult network conditions.

En résumé :PWAs offercross-platform accessibility, optimized performance, a streamlined user experience and controlled security,making them an attractive solution for any mobile application project.

Are you hesitating between PWA and Native Application for your project?
Here are some benefits of native mobile apps:

– Good integration with the operating system:Native apps are seamlessly integrated into the device ecosystem, providing a more consistent and familiar experience for users.

– Access to advanced features and device customization:Native apps have extensive access to the functionality of the mobile device on which they are installed. Use of the camera, GPS, light, movement and gyroscope sensors, notification system and settings preferences… These features allow you to create rich and particularly customizable experiences for your users.

– Offline use : Some native apps can work offline or with a weak internet connection, allowing users to access their features and content even while off-network.

– Distribution on app stores: distributing the native application on the app stores makes it possible to reach a wide audience and benefit from application performance analyses.

– Advanced security:Depending on their development, native applications can offer enhanced security to their users, thanks to the exploitation of encryption and data protection algorithms integrated into mobile operating systems.

In summary: Native apps provide access to advanced device features through better integration with the operating system, a personalized user experience and more or less enhanced security, making them a compelling technology for certain mobile app projects.

The question arises when you want to embark on a mobile project!
So, technologies aside, what differentiates web apps from native mobile apps?

Our agence web offers an expert perspective on the subject:

– Development:languages, technologies and development methods vary from one type of application to another. The web application, as its name suggests, uses web languages. The native application, for its part, is developed specifically for a particular platform, such as iOS or Android.

– Functions:Native apps have more advanced access to mobile features (camera, GPS, sensors, notifications, etc.). Web applications are more limited in their access to deep device functionality and therefore rely overall on browser functionality (less advanced than the device’s native functionality).

– Support:Native mobile apps are only compatible with mobile devices (smartphones or tablets). Web apps, for their part, can be viewed and used on computer, tablet or mobile, using any browser.

– Diffusion:Native apps are only available for download through app stores like the App Store or Google Play Store. Native apps are only available for download through app stores like the App Store or Google Play Store. Web applications do not require any downloading: they are accessible directly from a URL link via any browser, on PC or mobile. Their download can be offered on the same app stores as native applications, but it remains optional.

– Hosting:Native apps are hosted on app stores. You do not have control over their approval, management or the hosting of the data you use there. Web applications do not require any downloading: they are accessible directly from a URL link via any browser, on PC or mobile. Their download can be offered on the same app stores as native applications, but it remains optional.

– SEO:Unlike native applications which are only referenced via their distribution stores (App Store, Google Play Store, etc.), web apps can be referenced on search engines, and therefore enter into a natural SEO strategy.

– Updates:Updates to a web app are automatically distributed and applied to all users, whether they are viewing it via browser or have downloaded the application to their device. Conversely, updating a native application generally requires consent, or manual action from users.

In summary: Native apps generally offer deeper functionality and a more personalized user experience, while web apps are less expensive to develop, deploy and maintain, while still providing cross-platform accessibility. But then, in the end, what to choose between PWA or Native App for your mobile application project? The choice between the two depends on the needs and possibilities of the project, the required functionalities and the user experience preferences.

Your web agency can advise you on this subject. Do not hesitate to ask them to support you in your strategic, functional and technical thinking!

Adopting a so-called “Mobile First” strategy means prioritizing the design of an optimal user experience on mobile devices to respond to the growing trend of smartphone use.

Done well, this user-centric strategy can help improve the visibility of your site/application on search engines, boost user engagement and even increase conversions through optimization of the user experience and journey. on mobile.

An obvious approach for mobile app and web app projects, Mobile First can also be applied to websites.

Your web agency can advise you on the design strategy for your project.

So, are you ready to embark on the mobile adventure?