Technology developed by Google in 2015 enables mobile devices to add a website or web application to a smartphone's home screen and be able to interact with it like a native app, which can work offline.
PWAs use the browser technology from the browser it was installed from.
Mobile app users spend 87% of time in native apps, compared to 13% in browser apps.
This happens because:
- Push notifications help engagement.
- Icons for fast access.
- Access native devices like camera.
- Offline work.
PWA's live on the web, have native capabilities i.e installable and push notifications.
A progressive web application (PWA) is a type of application software delivered through the web, built using common web technologies including HTML, CSS and JavaScript. It is intended to work on any platform that uses a standards-compliant browser, including both desktop and mobile devices.
PWA's offer:
- Offline work
- Push notifications
- Phone app
They have no access to the phone capabilities, such as camera.
Browser > Add to home screen
To become a PWA, the app needs:
- Service worker - js program serving as a mediator between the app vs network and cache.
- Manifest - JSON file containing the settings for the phone app (icon, name...).
Direct deployment. Send the app directly to the user, rather than have them download it from a store.