Shopware PWA

For a few years now, a new concept has been shaping the world of apps – Progressive Web App (PWA). In short, this term describes a website that has the characteristics of conventional native apps. Shopware has also embraced this development and relies on the Vue Storefront. With the PWA frontend, which was recently introduced, the full potential of Shopware 6 is to be unleashed. But what exactly should one imagine under the term PWA? And what advantages does it bring?

Apps as part of an increasingly mobile world

Without question, smartphones and similar devices are taking on an increasingly important role in our digital world. People can be seen everywhere without their mobile devices. This technological advancement also influences user purchasing behavior, and the proportion of those who regularly make purchases via mobile devices is steadily increasing. Surveys revealed that by 2019, 38% of Germans were shopping via their smartphone or tablet at least once a month. Globally, the proportion of mobile purchases in e-commerce is already over 50%. In view of these figures, it makes sense to design the homepage with responsive design in mind and optimize it for mobile devices. In this context, applications also play an important role. Previously, these mainly involved so-called native apps. Now that web apps have become increasingly important, the question arises as to what the actual difference is.

The difference between Native Applications and Progressive Web Apps

Native apps are specifically programmed for an operating system and run exclusively on devices with that system. So if an application is developed for iOS, then it is intended only for iOS devices, which include Apple products like iPad and iPhone. The advantage: All interfaces to the hardware work equally well, and the device's performance can be optimally utilized. Web apps are essentially HTML5 websites that recognize end devices and display content optimized for them. Ultimately, only a browser is needed to use the application.

Advantages of Native Apps at a Glance

• Through specialization on an operating system ideal for very complex applications

• Data storage in any quantity

• Simple installation for the end customer, recognizable icon for easy launching

• Convenient distribution for the provider through stores (additionally: improved marketing opportunities)

• Use of device hardware, e.g. camera

Advantages of PWAs at a Glance

• Functioning on all operating systems

• Cheaper development

• Offline storage of data through HTML5, the page can be used without internet access after being accessed once

• Conversion to native applications (hybrid apps) possible with good programming

• Findable in the search engines

• Fast updates possible

When a Progressive Web App is useful

In principle, weighing the pros and cons shows that no specific application form can be generally recommended. Instead, it's important to consider the requirements and purpose. Native applications, for example, are a must when hardware functions like the camera are needed and when the functions are exceptionally complex.

For web apps, consideration should be given to whether a function is needed permanently or used only once. This would be the case in the event sector. Applications developed for specific events are well-suited as web apps, as it is questionable whether users who attend multiple events would want to download something new each time. The applications can be accessed when needed. Changes are immediately visible on the mobile phone.

Furthermore, the product range can be represented in an offline catalog, which is of great use, especially for sales staff who are then not dependent on an internet connection. Small games within the framework of an interactive content concept are also possible, as well as tools for form filling.

Overall, PWAs are advisable when their content is simple, functionality is a priority, or when they are used internally by a company. A heterogeneous user group can also be a deciding factor for a web application when it comes to ensuring functionality for all devices.

The "progress" makes the difference

Now it is such that the term Web App has already existed for a long time. But what exactly makes a Progressive Web App different? While the earlier website application is more of an app in disguise of a webpage suitable for different operating systems, the progressive variant takes a step further and adapts directly to the device from which it is accessed. The more powerful the mobile device, the more powerful (e.g., in terms of loading times) the PWA. This is the essential distinguishing feature.

The function is ensured by the so-called Service Workers, which are executed separately by the browser and function as a sort of "mediator" between the app and the internet network. These are JavaScripts running in the background. Their primary purpose is caching, and they continue to work even when the website is not open. Information that has been accessed once can also be displayed offline thanks to caching. The connection is made via the HTTPS standard.

In addition to the service workers, the Application Shell Architecture is relevant. This ensures that initially a mobile view of a website is displayed and then responds to the performance of the retrieving mobile device to adjust the performance accordingly. The app shell is thus the framework for dynamic content that is cached upon retrieval and can be accessed without delay in the future.

The manifest provides information about an application in a JSON text file and offers a Progressive Web App for installation. Furthermore, it can be set so that the application can be opened alone, without the browser running, after installation.

Shopware 6 PWA Vue Storefront

In order to design a flexible frontend and enable even better customer experiences, the Javascript-based PWA frontend for Shopware 6 was developed. The aim of the development was to make the design of the frontend more independent from the Shopware backend. The collaboration took place with Vue Storefront and with the most modern technology specifically for Shopware. Vue Storefront is a Progressive Web App written in Vue.js. This JavaScript framework offers the advantage of being very flexible, easily integrating into existing codes and thus into traditional websites. It also offers excellent performance. Another advantage is the modular structure, which allows basic functions to be easily expanded with additional features. Depending on the project, the modules can be added exactly as needed. Overall, the framework is easy for developers to learn. There is also a clear documentation for getting started.

Progressive Vue Storefront is compatible with numerous Shopware 6 features, allows easy integration, and provides access to practical marketing tools. A powerful UI library was developed for the frontend to implement unlimited creative designs without depending on the backend. The performance is also suitable for use in the enterprise segment, where the frontend requirements are particularly high—such as when extremely short page load times are essential.

Many useful features can be easily integrated into Vue Storefront. These include common payment methods, push notifications, Google Analytics integrations, barcode scanners, or even voice commerce. Additionally, the Vue Storefront application is largely platform-independent, meaning that changes can be made in the backend without having to adjust the frontend.

Conclusion: PWAs are important in mobile commerce

Overall, it can be noted: Anyone catering to an audience that largely shops via mobile devices should definitely consider a Progressive Web App—many studies show that purchasing via smartphones and similar devices is becoming increasingly significant. To provide users with an optimal user experience, a PWA definitely makes sense. The Shopware PWA with Vue Storefront technology can be quite intuitively used for various e-commerce projects. Especially for those already considering upgrading to Shopware 6, it is highly recommended to use the Shopware PWA in the future.