What is a PWA?
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are currently one of the biggest new trends in software. The concept was introduced in 2015 by Google and uptake was gradual until the end of 2018 when it really took off. It is currently a small part of the mobile app market but it is likely to become a more regular feature in the landscape.
A PWA works just like a website, it is easy to access via URLs and by search engines but is not confined by the limitations of browser access. It acts more like a mobile app allowing the user to send it to a smartphone, work offline and send push messages.
The increased use of PWAs coincided with a drop in app downloads via the App Store or Google Play. PWAs do not need to be downloaded but an icon can be added to a home screen allowing easy access. It is likely that PWAs will soon outstrip native development and apps that are specific to Android or iOS.
By combining website functions and the easy-to-use nature of apps users can search for it, find it and save the icon for later access in just a few clicks.
