PWA

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a type of web application built with modern web technologies to deliver an experience similar to a native app. PWAs run in a web browser and can work across devices, accessed by a URL, without requiring installation from an app store.

Core technologies include service workers, which enable offline caching and background tasks; a web app manifest, which provides metadata and installability instructions; and a secure context over HTTPS. Together they allow a web site to behave like an installable, offline-capable application.

Key characteristics are progressive enhancement, responsive design, and connectivity independence. PWAs offer an app-like interface with smooth navigation, can be added to the home screen, may run in full-screen mode, and can deliver push notifications where supported. They are designed to be discoverable via URLs and resilient to network disruptions.

Benefits include wider reach, lower development and maintenance costs, and faster performance with offline or degraded connectivity. They avoid app store distribution while still offering installability. Limitations include uneven support across platforms, especially on older browsers, and some native APIs remaining inaccessible.

PWAs are supported by major modern browsers and continue to evolve as standards. Many organizations use PWAs to extend reach and reliability without building separate native apps. Notable examples include web sites and services that emphasize fast, reliable access across devices.