A Progressive Web App (PWA) is software delivered through
the web, built using standard technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript —
designed to run on any device with a standards-compliant browser, desktop or
mobile.
PWAs close much of the gap between a typical web experience
and a native app experience. Because a PWA is essentially a website functioning
as an app, it doesn't need separate packaging or distribution — there's no
requirement to install it through app stores like Google Play or the Apple App
Store. That's also been a drawback for visibility, though major app stores have
increasingly started supporting PWAs, making them easier to discover there too.
Key Characteristics of a Progressive Web App
Progressive A PWA works on any device by default, then improves further by taking advantage of whatever features the user's specific browser or device supports.
Discoverable Since a PWA is a website at its core, it's naturally search-engine friendly — something native apps still struggle to match in terms of searchability.
Linkable A PWA uses URLs to reflect its current state, just like a regular website — meaning users can bookmark or share a link and return to exactly where they left off.