Synonyms: Browser-based app
PWA stands for Progressive Web App, which is a type of web application that combines the best features of both websites and native mobile apps. PWAs are designed to work seamlessly across all devices—whether you’re using a desktop, tablet, or smartphone—offering a smooth, app-like experience directly from your browser without the need to download anything from an app store.
Key features of PWAs include:
- Responsive Design: PWAs automatically adapt to different screen sizes and orientations, ensuring they look and function well on any device.
- Offline Functionality: By using cached data, PWAs can work even when there’s no internet connection, giving them a key advantage over traditional websites.
- App-Like Interface: They provide a full-screen experience, similar to native apps, often with push notifications and smooth animations.
- Fast Loading: Thanks to techniques like service workers, PWAs load quickly, even on slow networks.
For businesses, PWAs are a cost-effective alternative to building separate native apps for Android and iOS, while also improving user engagement and retention due to their high performance and accessibility. In SEO, PWAs are beneficial because they offer fast, user-friendly experiences, which can lead to better rankings and higher conversion rates.