Importance of Offline-First Approach to App Development

Users often feel negative about apps that are not designed for low connectivity due to latency, which is the primary reason why they abandon apps. Be it a poor network or the app itself, the resultant slow loading time makes for very unhappy users. And the result- a decreased revenue and higher churn rate. This is where implementing an offline-first approach aids to optimize the app for low bandwidth to address any limited connectivity issues.  

 An offline-first mobile app is specifically designed to work without an internet connection. This means that instead of relying completely on an internet connection to work, the application can be used as well as store data locally while the device is offline. 

What is offline-first app? 

Offline-first apps are mobile applications functions even in the absence of an internet network. Unlike traditional applications which access a database located on servers and provide requested data to the users, offline-first apps store data and function locally on the device. 

 
This allows users uninterrupted access to the app’s features even when there is no internet connection. When internet is available, the app downloads updates from the server while also sending the user's offline changes back to the server 

How offline-first apps work? 

Offline mobile applications are created with cache files that are accessible to the user, even if there is no internet connection. This cache includes web pages, style sheets, and scripts that are stored on the user’s device in the application’s manifest. The manifest updates all resources and whenever the user connects to the internet, these updates are synced. 

In addition, balancing between the offline and online sync approach enables your app to sync data between multiple devices even when the data is updated in offline mode. The changes users make on their mobile devices while offline will be synced to the cloud and then to all other devices when the internet connection is finally restored.      

Why the need for offline-first approach? 

 Even though many users now have access to reliable internet connections, there are still a lot of areas with weak or non-existent connections. In these areas, offline-first apps allow users to access their data and applications without relying on an internet connection. Especially, when you have a large database of information that can be searched by users. You can develop a smaller version of the database that can be downloaded on the user’s device, allowing them to access the information without an internet connection. This can make your app more useful and reliable. 

Additionally, if your app has some features that don't require a constant internet connection in order to work, it is advisable to take an offline-first approach. 

Some of the famous offline-first apps  

Some of the most famous examples of offline-first apps today include Google Maps, Evernote, Dropbox, and Spotify. Google Maps allows users to download maps for offline use and to find directions even when there is no internet connection. Evernote stores notes locally so that users can access them without an internet connection. Dropbox allows users to view, edit, and download files without an internet connection. Finally, Spotify allows users to listen to music even when they are offline. 

Broadly speaking, the whole idea behind implementing the offline-first approach is allowing the user to continue using the app without disruption even in the absence of an internet network. 

Long and short of it 

Offline-first apps are capable of operating even in areas with no internet connection. This means users can access their data and applications while offline. Additionally, it helps app developers to reduce the amount of data usage and improve the performance of their apps. 

However, offline app must not mark as a better option than traditional ones but rather should be looked upon as an added functionality to improve app performance as well as the user experience. 

At Hashbrown, our team has experience developing innovative Mobile Apps with high usability for clients from diverse industries in the most cost and time-efficient way. If you've got an idea and want to turn it into a well-developed App with higher usability, connect with our team!    

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