What is a Progressive Web App?

Progressive Web Apps are experiences that combine the best of the web and the best of apps. They are useful to users from the very first visit in a browser tab, no install required. As the user progressively builds a relationship with the App over time, it becomes more and more powerful. It loads quickly, even on flaky networks, sends relevant push notifications, has an icon on the homescreen and loads as top-level, full screen experience.

Progressive Web Apps are:

• Progressive - Work for every user, regardless of browser choice because they’re built with progressive enhancement as a core tenet.
• Responsive - Fit any form factor: desktop, mobile, tablet, or whatever is next.
• Connectivity independent - Enhanced with service workers to work offline or on low quality networks.
• App-like - Feel like an app to the user with app-style interactions and navigation because it's built on the app-shell model.
• Fresh - Always up-to-date thanks to the service worker update process.
• Safe - Served via HTTPS to prevent snooping and ensure content hasn’t been tampered with.
• Discoverable - Are identifiable as “applications” thanks to W3C manifests and service worker registration scope allowing search engines to find them.
• Re-engageable - Make re-engagement easy through features like push notifications.
• Installable - Allow users to “keep” apps they find most useful on their home screen without the hassle of an app store.
• Linkable - Easily share via URL and not require complex installation.