Definition: progressive Web app

A progressive Web app (PWA) is a website-based application accessed via the browser that is able to take advantage of the platform it is running in. For example, a PWA may use the GPS and camera, as well as payment services such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Being browser based, PWAs run on all platforms, and they are generally responsive Web apps as well, which adapt to the size of the screen. In addition, progressive Web apps are sometimes installed from a website and can then work offline. Contrast with native mobile app.

Better for Promoting the App
For marketing, PWAs are thought to be more favorable because they can be indexed by search engines and show up in a search results page. In contrast, native apps appear in the app store along with countless others clamoring to solve the same problem. Increasingly, progressive Web apps are available in the app stores, as well. See Web application.

PWA Deployment

Nothing is easier than running an app by opening a browser and going to a website. The PWA, along with mobile websites and responsive websites provide browser-based applications. See mobile website and responsive Web design.