How to turn your Website into an App (and why maybe you shouldn't!) with Russell Keith Magee

Discover the pros and cons of turning your website into an app, exploring the benefits and drawbacks of native and web apps, and learn when it may or may not be the best option for your project.

Key takeaways
  • Supporting both native apps and web apps can be tricky, but it’s essential to consider both scenarios when building a project.
  • When deciding whether to build an app or a website, consider if the app needs to be available offline, access native device hardware, or provide a specific user experience.
  • Web apps have their own advantages, such as being easily distributable and accessible across multiple platforms, but may lack the native user experience and access to device hardware that an app provides.
  • Electron and PhoneGap are tools that allow for building desktop and mobile apps with web technologies, but may not be suitable for all projects.
  • Beware, a Python project, allows for seamless transition between web and desktop or mobile apps, but may not be the best option for all projects.
  • When building an app, consider the data storage, versioning, and API separation, and ensure that the app can work offline and provide a smooth user experience.
  • For web apps, consider the use of service workers for caching and offline support, and for apps, consider the use of a single page web app for reducing the complexity of the development process.
  • When transitioning from a website to an app, consider the user interface, app design, and platform-specific features, and ensure that the app provides a consistent user experience across multiple platforms.
  • Converting a website to an app may not be necessary, and in some cases, it may not be the best option.