A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a web application built with standard web technologies that delivers an app-like experience by being installable, working offline, and supporting capabilities such as background synchronisation and push notifications. PWAs use service workers and a web app manifest to bridge the gap between web pages and native mobile applications, allowing a single codebase to run across platforms. They are designed to be reliable on poor networks, fast to load, and engaging enough to live on a device home screen.
Overview
- PWAs combine the reach of the web with the engagement of native apps.
- A service worker intercepts network requests to enable offline operation and resource caching.
- A web app manifest describes how the app appears when installed on a device.
- PWAs are progressively enhanced, degrading gracefully on older browsers.
Key aspects
- Service workers for offline support and background tasks.
- Installability via a web app manifest and home-screen icons.
- Responsive layouts that adapt to any viewport.
- Secure delivery over HTTPS as a baseline requirement.
- Re-engagement through push notifications.
Applications
- E-commerce storefronts needing fast, reliable mobile access.
- News and media platforms delivering content offline.
- Productivity tools requiring cross-platform reach without app-store friction.
- Emerging-market services where bandwidth and storage are constrained.