Web App Manifest vs Desktop App Frameworks

Developers should learn and use the Web App Manifest when building Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) to enable installation capabilities and improve user engagement, as it allows web apps to be added to home screens and run in standalone modes without browser UI meets developers should learn desktop app frameworks when building applications that require deep integration with the operating system, high performance, offline functionality, or access to local hardware like printers and file systems. Here's our take.

Web App Manifest

Nice Pick

Developers should learn and use the Web App Manifest when building Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) to enable installation capabilities and improve user engagement, as it allows web apps to be added to home screens and run in standalone modes without browser UI

Pros

• It is essential for creating app-like experiences on mobile and desktop, supporting features like offline access, push notifications, and responsive design, making it crucial for modern web development targeting cross-platform deployment
• Related to: progressive-web-apps, service-workers

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Desktop App Frameworks

Developers should learn desktop app frameworks when building applications that require deep integration with the operating system, high performance, offline functionality, or access to local hardware like printers and file systems

Pros

• They are essential for creating professional software such as productivity tools, creative suites (e
• Related to: electron, qt-framework

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Web App Manifest is a concept while Desktop App Frameworks is a framework. We picked Web App Manifest based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Web App Manifest wins

Based on overall popularity. Web App Manifest is more widely used, but Desktop App Frameworks excels in its own space.