Progressively enhance web apps to look and feel like native apps.
PWAs use the browser technology from the browser it was installed from.
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 offline.
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.
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.