What is a Progressive Web App?

Progressive Web App (PWA) is a web application that works via browsers, while delivering a native app-like experience. A PWA can be installed as an app on a mobile device and accessed with one click. It can send push notifications and do other things a regular mobile can do, such as accessing a user's geolocation or camera.

Progressive Web App components

On a technical level, PWA includes three main components:

Service Worker is a JavaScript file that ensures background sync between the browser and network, offline accessibility, and caching.
Web App Manifest is a JSON file that manages the app behavior and how it appears to users.
HTTPS ensures a secure connection, user privacy, and is crucial for Service Worker to enable offline access.
App Shell Architecture separates the app UI from the dynamic data to make it load instantly.

PWA main features

Direct URLs. Unlike regular mobile apps, PWAs can be accessed via just a link without the need for a long installation.
Push notifications. PWA supports push notifications in most browsers that let you send important alerts right to the user's device screen.
Access to device features. PWA can access device features (Bluetooth, camera, microphone, etc.) using APIs, if a user grants permission.
Background sync. PWAs can work in the background, updating data even while an app is closed to improve user experience.
App store compatibility. Google Play and App Store (with some limitations) support PWA submission, so it can be included in the app list after the review.

What are the benefits of PWA?

Fast speed. PWA loads instantly thanks to effective caching strategies, which makes it a great option for businesses looking to improve their mobile performance.
Offline access. PWAs can work with a poor network or even without an internet connection, which lets improve user experience in case of network interruptions.
App-like user experience. The UX delivered by PWA is not the same as with a native mobile app, but they have many things in common – quick load, access to hardware features, and installability.
Cross-platform compatibility. With a single codebase built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, a PWA can work across different OSes, including Windows, Android, and iOS.
Strong security. PWA ensures user privacy and protects against injections using HTTPS protocol, service worker validation, and Content Security Policy (CSP).
Cost efficiency. PWA development services are typically much more affordable than native mobile app development for both platforms – iOS and Android.
SEO optimization. PWA allows you to optimize your pages for search engines since they're indexed and can be found in Google and other engines.

PWA use cases

PWAs are used across industries:

In entertainment, for instant access to games and media.
In retail, to boost engagement and ensure offline access.
In ecommerce, to improve mobile performance and reach a wider audience.
In travel, to enable seamless access to apps without a stable network.
In media, to increase user retention and native-like reading experience.

In any industry, PWAs are used to reduce app development costs and timelines, as well as to get an MVP solution in a short time to present it to stakeholders.

At DigitalSuits, we developed a PWA solution for our client – a mattress manufacturer – to enable them to engage their customers at in-store locations without a stable network. The PWA we developed allows customers to explore mattress models with an interactive dashboard, reducing staff workload and boosting in-store sales.