Why is this (apparently) just an app? I'd much rather have a mobile web site that I can read on any of my devices and not have to install an app on my phone to use it.
If StackOverflow were only available as an app, it'd be much much less useful.
If StackOverflow were only available as an app, it'd be much much less useful.
StackOverflow doesn't require accounts to read posts (unlike some similar sites...).
I disagree. Downloading and installing a binary blob in order to then download some text is a worse UX for me.
>Also an app lets you require a user to sign a ToS once after installation without requiring accounts.
A cookie would solve this problem.
I suspect the real reason people keep pushing apps is they are much more monetizable rather than taking the user into account.
Exactly. With an app you get full control over the users experience. No adblockers, no tracker disabling extensions (e.g., Privacy Badger), none of the benefits of a simple website. What about immigrants who can't afford a smartphone and use a computer at a public library?
If you want to be seen as the StackOverflow of immigration, providing an Android/IOS-only experience instead of simply requiring a modern web browser is either short sighted or suspicious — why do you need people to install your software?
Huh? I don't think I've ever visited a purely informational website (like this one apparently is) that required me to sign a ToS just to view it. You just click the link, read whatever information you came for, and leave when you're done. That's far more "seamless" than having to install an app before you can do anything.
Plus, the TOS bullshit is no excuse. Just require registration to post.
On the other hand, the website is available on all platforms. An app is typically only available on whatever platform(s) the creator thinks is/are most valuable.