A PWA (Progressive Web App) is a website built with modern browser features so it can be installed on a device, work partly offline and send notifications. It is still delivered over the web, with no app store required.
Why it matters
PWAs give one codebase that works on desktop and mobile. A web app manifest describes the name, icons and start URL, and a service worker intercepts network requests to cache files and handle offline use. HTTPS is mandatory for service workers.
Run a Lighthouse audit or your browser's application panel to confirm the manifest is valid and the service worker is registered.
Example
{
"name": "Task Tracker",
"short_name": "Tasks",
"start_url": "/",
"display": "standalone",
"icons": [{"src": "/icon-512.png", "sizes": "512x512", "type": "image/png"}]
}Common mistakes
- Caching aggressively in the service worker and trapping users on an old version.
- Serving the manifest or service worker over plain HTTP.
- Assuming a PWA has the same device access as a native app; capabilities vary by browser.
Related
Get notified when this term updates
Plus occasional practical tips on uptime and monitoring, nothing else. Unsubscribe anytime.
This page is general information written by our editorial team and updated when documentation changes. Servers and providers differ, so test changes safely first. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.