What is a PWA (Progressive Web App)? - Definition & Meaning
Learn what a Progressive Web App (PWA) is, how it bridges the gap between web and native apps, and why PWAs are ideal for cross-platform experiences.
Definition
A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a web application that uses modern browser technologies to deliver a native app-like experience. PWAs are installable on the home screen, work offline, send push notifications, and load blazingly fast, while being built with standard web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Technical explanation
PWAs are built on three core pillars: a Web App Manifest (manifest.json) that describes installation metadata such as name, icons, theme color, and display mode; a Service Worker, a JavaScript worker acting as a proxy between the app and the network for caching, offline functionality, and background sync; and HTTPS for secure communication. Caching strategies like Cache First, Network First, and Stale While Revalidate determine how the Service Worker serves resources. The Cache API and IndexedDB provide client-side storage for offline data. The Web Push API enables push notifications even when the app is closed. Workbox is a popular library that simplifies Service Worker configuration. Modern PWA features include File Handling API, Share Target API, Badging API, and Background Sync. Google's Lighthouse measures PWA compliance through audits on performance, accessibility, best practices, and PWA criteria. PWAs work cross-platform on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS from a single codebase.
How MG Software applies this
At MG Software, we build PWAs when clients want a cross-platform mobile experience without the cost and complexity of separate native apps for iOS and Android. Using Next.js as a foundation, we add a manifest, Service Worker, and caching strategy to make the web application installable and offline-capable. This is particularly valuable for clients with field workers, offline scenarios, or when the budget does not allow for separate native apps.
Practical examples
- A fieldwork application where inspectors can fill out checklists offline, take photos, and store data locally. Once internet connectivity returns, the PWA automatically synchronizes all data with the server.
- A restaurant offering a PWA as a digital menu and ordering system: guests scan a QR code, the PWA loads instantly, works offline if WiFi drops, and can be installed as an app without an App Store download.
- A news platform that sends push notifications for breaking news as a PWA, caches articles offline for reading on the go, and achieves higher user retention than their mobile website thanks to its installable nature.
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