What Is a Progressive Web App and Does Your Business Need One?

A progressive web app (PWA) is a website that behaves like an app. It can be added to a phone’s home screen, load quickly on poor connections and even work offline, all without going through an app store.

What makes a PWA different

• Installable: visitors can add it to their home screen.
• Reliable: a service worker caches key files so pages load even with a weak connection.
• Engaging: where supported, it can send push notifications.
• One codebase: the same site works on Android, iOS, Windows and desktop browsers.

When a PWA makes sense

PWAs suit businesses whose customers return often: booking systems, ordering platforms, learning portals, dashboards and content-heavy sites. They cost less than building separate native apps and update instantly.

When you may not need one

A simple brochure site rarely benefits from installability. Also, some device features, such as deep hardware access, are still easier in native apps, and support for certain PWA features differs between browsers.

Getting started

Start with a fast, responsive website served over HTTPS. Add a web app manifest and a simple service worker, then test with Lighthouse in Chrome DevTools. You can grow from there as your needs become clear.