Progressive Web App (PWA)
A Progressive Web App is a web application built with modern web technologies that delivers app-like experiences, including offline access, push notifications, and home screen installation, directly through the browser.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) bridge the gap between websites and native mobile apps. They're built using standard web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) but include features traditionally associated with native apps: they can work offline, send push notifications, access device hardware, and be installed on a user's home screen.
Together, these allow a website to function like an app without requiring users to visit an app store. PWAs are "progressive" because they work for every user regardless of browser choice, and they progressively enhance based on what the user's device supports. In an older browser, it works as a regular website.
In practice
- Starbucks built a PWA that is 99.84% smaller than their iOS app, enabling customers to browse the menu and customize orders even when offline
- Pinterest's PWA increased mobile ad revenue by 44% and user engagement by 60% compared to their previous mobile website
- A retail company launched a PWA that loads in under 2 seconds on 3G connections, reaching customers in areas where their native app couldn't perform
- A news publisher's PWA with push notifications achieved a 25% increase in return visits compared to their traditional mobile website
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