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.
A progressive web application (PWA), or progressive web app, is a type of web app that can be installed on a device as a standalone application. PWAs are installed using the offline cache of the device's web browser.
PWAs were introduced from 2016 as an alternative to native (device-specific) applications, with the advantage that they do not require separate bundling or distribution for different platforms. They can be used on a range of different systems, including desktop and mobile devices. Publishing the app to digital distribution systems like the Apple App Store or Google Play is optional.
Because a PWA is delivered in the form of a webpage or website built using common web technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WebAssembly, it can work on any platform with a PWA-compatible browser. As of 2021, PWA features are supported to varying degrees by Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Firefox for Android, and Microsoft Edge but not by Firefox for desktop.
Progressive Web Apps start with a traditional web site/application and progressively enhance with modern features. When sites are secure they can leverage ServiceWorkers to provider users with offline support, Push notifications can help re-engage users, and Web App Manifests let users install PWAs alongside native apps.