The term was introduced by Google Chrome engineer Alex Russell.
“So… Is it a technology? Is it a standard? Is it something owned/patented by Google?” No, none of those. It is simply a term to describe a specific way to design and build applications.
Here are the original 9 characteristics of PWA.
- Responsive: Page looks good on different screen sizes (e.g. phone, tablet, desktop)
- Connectivity independent: Function without Internet connection
- App-like-interactions: Look’n’feel of native application
- Fresh: Always up-to-date
- Safe: Utilise secure connection for the security threats
- Discoverable: Browsers identify PWAs automatically
- Re-engageable: Can bring users back to the app using, for example, Push Notifications
- Installable: Can be stored to the home screen just like native apps but without the extra hassle of the App Store
- Linkable: Can be shared around as plain URLs
| Web Application | Website |
|---|---|
| It is designed for interaction with end users. | It basically contains static content. |
| We can read the content and also manipulate the data. | We can read the content of website but not manipulate . |
| Should be precompiled before deployment. | Not need to be precompiled. |
| The function of web application is quite complex . | The function of website is simple. |
| Interactive for users. | Not inetractive for users. |
| The browser capabilities involved is high. | The browser capabilities involved is low. |
| Integration is complex | Integration is simpler |
| Mostly requires authentication EXAMPLE : Amazon, |
Authentication is not necessary. EXAMPLE : Breaking News |