What are PWAs?
A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a web application that uses modern browser APIs to deliver native app-like experiences — offline support, push notifications, home screen installation, and background sync — without requiring app store distribution.
Key Features
- Installable: Users can add your web app to their home screen like a native app.
- Offline Support: Service workers cache assets and API responses for offline access.
- Push Notifications: Re-engage users with timely notifications even when the browser is closed.
- Fast: Cached resources load instantly on repeat visits.
When to Build a PWA
PWAs are ideal when you want native app features without the cost of maintaining separate iOS and Android apps. They work well for e-commerce, news, productivity tools, and internal business applications.
PWA vs Native App
PWAs cannot access all device hardware (Bluetooth, NFC, advanced camera features). They have limited iOS support for push notifications. If your app requires deep hardware integration, native is still the way to go.
Implementation
Every PWA needs a manifest.json (app metadata) and a service worker (offline caching). Frameworks like Next.js, Astro, and Nuxt have built-in PWA support through plugins.