What Is Progressive Web Apps? Explained In 200 Words

Progressive Web App (PWA) is introduced by Google Developers Frances Berriman and Alex Russell in 2015.

PWA is a web application that uses HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to deliver rich native-app experience on desktop and mobile.

Although there is an app for almost anything, it is difficult to install and maintain apps from single device. PWA is perfect to overcome this problem.

User can refrain from downloading from stores as it functions easily in the web browser.

Features:

• Fully responsive
• Browser compatible
• Works offline
• Push Notifications
• Device hardware accessibility
• Self-update
• Secured
• Easy installation

The goal is to provide seamless experience in a way user is unable to distinguish PWA and a native app.

Google explains PWA with the acronym FIRE  meaning, FAST, INTEGRATED, RELIABLE, ENGAGING

The components are:

• Manifest.json file – JSON configuration file
• Service Worker – JavaScript code
• App Shell architecture – design pattern
• Transport Layer Security – for the service worker to work

Big hitters: Google, Microsoft, Pinterest, Tinder highlights improvements like increased conversions, revenues, etc. with PWA.