Progressive web app (PWA) — a definition and getting started
Have you heard the term progressive web app or read the acronym PWA and thought, “Is this a new technology I should know about or use for my business?” Maybe you were discouraged by how potentially technical it sounded. Fear not. By the end of this post, you’ll have a basic understanding of the purpose and benefits of progressive web apps (PWAs) and how to continue your learning journey.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this post:
A definition of progressive web app
Progressive web apps are flexible, adaptable apps using only web technologies. PWAs are browser-based and bridge the gap between traditional mobile websites and in-app experiences. PWAs let users take advantage of both web and native app features.
It’s not always easy to tell if a web app is a PWA. PWAs can be identified typically by a few common traits. They are discoverable, installable, linkable, network independent, progressively enhanced, re-engageable, responsively designed, and secure.
Benefits of PWAs
So, why make the change? For starters, it’s a low-effort switch. Your PWA will be indexed by search engines and show up in search results, unlike a regular app which can only be downloaded from app stores. This streamlines the mobile ecommerce journey, resulting in better user acquisition. Thanks to caching, your users will also notice a decrease in loading times. And you can still send push notifications with updates and new content, just like a native app.
Continue learning about PWAs
To review, progressive web apps are browser-based apps that powerfully combine the benefits of websites and apps into one, providing a faster, more personalized user experience online and off — all for a fraction of the cost.
If you’d like to learn more, check out these resources how to set them up and our complete guide to PWAs.
Adobe can help your company switch to a PWA
PWA Studio in Adobe Commerce can guide you through creating and launching progressive web apps quickly and cost-effectively. Commerce is built for enterprise on a scalable, open-source platform with unparalleled security, premium performance, and a low total cost of ownership. Businesses of all sizes can use it to reach customers wherever they are, across devices and marketplaces.
Watch an overview or take an interactive product tour to learn how Adobe Commerce can support your company.