All About Progressive Web App (PWA) Development

The development of the Internet hinges on several key factors — global coverage, average connection speed, and pricing. We should also highlight the availability of mobile devices. According to Exploding Topics, by 2025 nearly 90% of all phones are smartphones, and there are over 7 billion smart gadgets worldwide. Small, medium and large businesses recognize this clearly, and they now prioritize not only websites and social‑media channels but also mobile applications — including Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).

The term Progressive Web Apps, which literally means “progressive web applications,” emerged relatively recently — in 2015. Essentially, PWAs blend the best of websites and native apps, preserving the functionality users expect on mobile devices while leveraging web technologies. As an alternative to traditional mobile apps, PWAs offer several advantages:

• Platform independence. There’s no rigid tie to a specific operating system, device type, or hardware specification. All you need is a modern browser — Chrome or Safari will do.

• No app‑store account required. Users don’t have to register for or log into any app marketplace.

• Unified user experience. The same PWA runs identically on smartphones, tablets and desktops. Developers create a single codebase, which accelerates time‑to‑market and cuts client costs.

• Full functionality. PWAs deliver all the essential features of native apps. To share your PWA with others, you simply send them a link — no installation steps required.

Like native applications, PWAs use both device and network resources intelligently and sparingly. Clients also save money because there’s no app‑store interaction — no moderation queues, no bug‑fix submissions, and no compliance requirements from marketplace owners. With equivalent functionality, developing a PWA can reduce costs by up to 70 percent compared to building separate Android or iOS apps.

Buildfire statistics show that about 49 percent of users open any given app more than 11 times per day, and 70 percent of all digital‑media time in the U.S. is spent in mobile apps. Looking specifically at PWAs, Grand View Research forecasts the market for these applications to grow at a compound annual rate of 30% from 2024 through 2030.

If you’re a business owner seeking new ways to engage customers, consider reaching out to PWA specialists. They fully understand the development lifecycle and each project phase. For example, Codeska’s portfolio includes many successful PWA implementations — such as Work&Go, a turnkey coworking solution for small and mid‑sized cities in France. It provides on‑demand workspaces in locations facing shortages or high demand, integrable into stores, supermarkets or post offices. You simply supply your existing website to be converted into a PWA, or you can commission both a new site and its PWA counterpart from scratch.

What Is a Progressive Web App?

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a type of application that uses modern web capabilities to deliver an experience comparable to native apps—while still being accessible through a regular web browser. The core idea behind PWAs is to combine the reach of the web with the functionality of traditional mobile applications.

PWAs combine the best of web and native mobile applications, offering a powerful and flexible solution for modern digital experiences. Below are the core advantages of PWAs, each of which contributes to their growing adoption across industries:

• Progressive
  PWAs are built using the principle of progressive enhancement. This means they function reliably for all users, regardless of their browser or device capabilities. As newer features become available, the app progressively improves, ensuring a future-proof architecture.

• Responsive design
  Designed with a mobile-first approach, PWAs automatically adapt to various screen sizes and orientations. Whether accessed on a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop, the user interface remains consistent and optimized for usability.

• Offline access
  One of the standout features of PWAs is their ability to function offline or in low-connectivity environments. Using service workers and intelligent caching mechanisms, PWAs store key resources locally, allowing users to continue interacting with the app even without an active internet connection.

• App-like experience
  PWAs emulate the look and feel of native applications. They open in a standalone window, support app-style gestures and navigation, and eliminate typical browser elements like the address bar—offering a seamless, immersive experience.

• Automatic updates
  Thanks to service workers, PWAs update automatically in the background. Users always access the most recent version of the application without needing to download or install updates manually.

• Secure delivery
  Security is a fundamental requirement for PWAs. They are served over HTTPS, which ensures encrypted communication, data integrity, and protection against common web-based threats like man-in-the-middle attacks.

• Search visibility
  Unlike native apps that rely solely on app store visibility, PWAs are indexed by search engines. This makes them easy to discover through standard web search, improving SEO and organic reach without additional marketing effort.

• User engagement
  PWAs support push notifications and background updates, making it easy for businesses to maintain engagement and encourage user return. These capabilities are especially valuable for e-commerce, news, and service-based applications.

• Simple installation
  Users can install a PWA directly from their browser without going through an app store. Once added to the home screen, the app launches like any native app and is accessible with a single tap.

• Direct linking
  PWAs retain the shareable nature of websites. They can be accessed and distributed through URLs, enabling deep linking to specific content within the app and simplifying user onboarding without requiring installation.

You can access a Progressive Web App by opening a website in your browser. What happens next depends on the browser itself: in Safari, you need to tap the "Add to Home Screen" button. In Google Chrome, you agree to the suggestion to add the app to the home screen via a pop-up window.

To enable the functionality of such applications, three core technologies are typically used. The first is Service Workers — background scripts that allow the app to send push notifications and cache important data. Essentially, they act as a proxy between the PWA and the network. This enables the application to function offline or under poor connectivity conditions. The second technology is the Web App Manifest, which provides the browser with essential metadata about the application, such as its name and icons. Finally, the HTTPS protocol is responsible for secure network communication. It ensures that data cannot be intercepted, altered, or tampered with in any way.

While PWAs offer numerous advantages, they are not without certain limitations. These applications may consume more device battery compared to regular websites, primarily due to continuous background updates. Additionally, businesses must navigate browser-specific restrictions and policies—particularly the limited support and functionality available on iOS devices.

Business Advantages of PWAs

There are several compelling reasons why Progressive Web Apps are particularly valuable for businesses. They offer a powerful tool for building customer loyalty and engagement—push notifications allow for direct communication, while the app’s functionality mirrors that of a standard website, enabling users to easily browse content, add items to a cart, place orders, and more.

Here are some of the specific benefits for businesses:

• Cost efficiency
  Developing a PWA is significantly more affordable, as both the website and the application share a single codebase. There’s no need to adapt the product for multiple platforms or go through app store approval processes. This makes the technology accessible even for small businesses.

• Innovation flexibility
  The absence of mandatory moderation allows companies to experiment freely and introduce innovative features. Thanks to optimized HTML technology, new functionality can be easily implemented across browsers, devices, and operating systems.

• Agile experimentation
  Since PWA updates are delivered in real time, users always interact with the latest version of the application. This enables businesses to test new features, make changes on the fly, and roll back quickly if needed—without waiting for store approvals or user updates.

• Improved conversion rates
  Users are more likely to engage with lightweight applications that don’t burden their device’s storage or performance. A PWA can take up as little as 1 MB. Additionally, search engines index PWAs like websites, which enhances discoverability and strengthens brand recognition.

Thanks to such apps, business owners can increase the number of repeat sales, improve customer return rates, and add a few percentage points to the average transaction value.

PWA vs. Native apps

For each app format, there are key pros and cons to consider. Comparing PWA and native apps is a standard procedure, with the following arguments in favor of PWA:

• Cross-platform compatibility: PWAs can be deployed on iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and browsers such as Safari, Chrome, and Firefox.

• Service Workers: these allow push notifications to be sent across almost all browsers.

• Independence from app stores: PWAs do not depend on app marketplaces.

However, there are some potential downsides, such as the sometimes long app loading times, especially if the website itself is rich in various elements. PWAs also require additional protection against XSS, SQL, and similar threats, and the level of security depends on the protective protocols available in the browser.

PWA apps are chosen when there is a lack of time and financial resources for development, or when a relatively simple app that can send push notifications is needed. This option is also a good choice if there is a need for independence from the operating system.

PWA vs. TWA vs. IWA

First, let's briefly review the essence of all three types of apps. PWA is a mix of websites and apps, with the key advantages being offline access, fast development, and compatibility with various platforms. Trusted Web Activity is a format similar to PWA, but it works exclusively on Android and Google Chrome. IWA apps, on the other hand, exist as isolated apps that create a secure space for work without interruptions.

Development roadmap for a progressive web app (PWA)

At Codeska, we treat every product we build as a long-term investment — not just for you, but for your users too. That’s why our PWA development process is structured, clear, and designed to deliver value early and continuously. Below is a detailed roadmap that outlines how we take a PWA from idea to a high-performance, installable application used across platforms.

1. Discovery & planning

We begin with a discovery phase to fully understand your goals, audience, and business context. This stage involves direct conversations with stakeholders to clarify what success looks like, what problems the app should solve, and which functionalities are critical. We also look into your target users — their behaviors, expectations, and how they’ll interact with your product. Competitive research is conducted to find market gaps and differentiate your solution from existing ones.

At this point, we outline the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), define the core features for the first release, and agree on priorities. We also identify possible risks and dependencies and determine the right tech stack. A development plan is drafted with clear timelines and deliverables, providing a transparent roadmap for all parties involved.

2. UX/UI design

Once the strategy is in place, we move to the design phase. Our design process begins with mapping out user flows — this helps define the optimal way users will navigate your PWA. With these flows in hand, we create wireframes that translate functional requirements into basic interface layouts.

Visual design comes next. We develop a modern and cohesive design system, including typography, color palette, iconography, and component styles tailored for mobile-first interaction. At Codeska, we put a strong emphasis on accessibility and responsive behavior from the start, ensuring a consistent experience across all devices and screen sizes.

Interactive prototypes are prepared to simulate real user behavior. These are shared with you for feedback and refined until we reach the final visual stage. Once approved, the designs are handed off to the development team along with detailed specifications.

3. Architecture & setup

With the design finalized, we move to laying the technical foundation of your PWA. We set up the frontend framework — usually React or Vue — and configure a scalable backend using technologies like Node.js, Laravel, or Firebase, depending on the project’s needs.

During this stage, we define the structure of the API, prepare the database schema, and configure hosting environments. CI/CD pipelines are set up to ensure continuous integration and smooth deployments. We also establish development environments and version control protocols to support team collaboration and future scalability.

This phase ensures that the groundwork is solid, security is baked in from the start, and the development team can move quickly without technical bottlenecks later.

4. Core development

Development begins in full, typically in agile sprints. On the frontend side, we start by building the core layout, navigation system, and components based on the approved designs. The PWA structure is developed following the App Shell model to support fast initial loading and a responsive, native-like feel. We implement service workers to enable caching, offline access, and background updates. The Web App Manifest is configured so the app can be installed on users' devices like a native app.

Meanwhile, the backend team is working on developing secure and well-documented API endpoints. User authentication and session management are implemented, along with data models and storage solutions. Business logic, third-party integrations (such as payment systems or analytics), and real-time features are also built during this phase.

Throughout development, we perform code reviews and automated tests to ensure reliability and maintainability. Each sprint delivers working functionality, allowing for regular feedback and alignment.

5. Testing & optimization

Before launch, we conduct thorough testing to ensure the app performs as expected under various conditions. This includes functional testing to confirm all features work correctly, as well as cross-browser and cross-device testing to verify a consistent user experience.

Performance testing is performed using tools like Lighthouse, focusing on metrics such as load time, interactivity, and visual stability. We also validate service worker behavior, offline capabilities, and push notifications. Accessibility checks are made to ensure compliance with WCAG standards.

Security is another focus — we test for vulnerabilities, validate data handling, and verify that HTTPS is enforced. Any bugs or performance issues found during this phase are resolved before moving forward.

6. Deployment & launch

Once everything is stable and optimized, we prepare for production release. Final staging reviews are conducted with stakeholders to validate every aspect of the app. We configure the domain, set up secure hosting, and deploy the backend services and frontend bundle to production.

We also ensure that the Web App Manifest works correctly across Android, iOS (via Safari), and desktop. This includes testing installation prompts, icons, splash screens, and offline behavior. Monitoring tools are set up to track performance and user interactions post-launch. After a green light from all sides, the app goes live.

7. Post-launch support & iteration

Going live isn’t the end — it’s a beginning. We continue to monitor the app in real time, collect user feedback, and measure performance using tools like Google Analytics or custom dashboards. Based on this data, we plan incremental improvements, fix edge-case issues, and explore new feature development.

Our clients usually choose a support package that includes regular maintenance updates, bug fixing, security monitoring, and performance enhancements. We also help with SEO improvements to make your PWA discoverable by search engines and improve user acquisition.

In parallel, we help shape the roadmap for future releases, based on user behavior, evolving business needs, and technical possibilities.

The technology stack for a Progressive Web App (PWA)

The technology stack for a Progressive Web App is carefully selected by developers based on what will deliver the best performance and user experience. One of the most commonly used tools is Workbox, a specialized set of libraries designed specifically for PWAs. It helps enable offline functionality, smart caching, and seamless interaction with Service Workers — all essential for a smooth and reliable app.

To ensure the app performs well, developers often use Lighthouse, a performance auditing tool from Google. It provides in-depth analysis of the app’s speed, accessibility, and overall quality, helping teams fine-tune the product before release.

When it comes to frameworks, Angular is a strong choice since it has built-in PWA support. This allows developers to build fast, offline-ready apps more easily. Vue.js is another popular option thanks to its intuitive structure and wide range of plugins that simplify PWA development. And React remains a top choice for its flexibility, large community, and extensive set of templates and libraries.

There are also technical challenges that developers need to address. These include securing the application and optimizing how resources are loaded. Tools like Webpack help with bundling and minimizing code to boost performance. Meanwhile, PWA Builder, a tool from Microsoft, is often used to streamline the packaging and deployment process.

Depending on the chosen framework, developers can use ready-made templates such as Create React App, Vue CLI PWA Plugin, or Angular Service Worker to speed up development while keeping the codebase clean and scalable.

Final thoughts

PWAs are already changing the digital landscape. In many cases, they serve as more effective alternatives to traditional mobile apps. We expect even deeper integration with operating systems in the near future, leading to better performance and a smoother user experience. Content will remain accessible regardless of connection speed or device, making PWAs ideal for users in any location.

These apps are also handled differently by search engines. From an SEO perspective, PWAs are seen as advanced, optimized mobile websites that can also send push notifications — a powerful tool for user engagement. Marketers are already adapting their strategies to fit this model, which increases user retention and overall engagement.

Still, PWA development comes with its own set of tasks. Ensuring cross-browser and cross-device compatibility is essential. But PWAs offer a major advantage over native apps — there’s no app store moderation. No platform policies can restrict your app or dictate what features it can offer. And everything is built on reliable, time-tested technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

At Codeska, we help our clients tap into the benefits of PWAs before their competitors do. Whether you're launching a new venture, scaling your brand, or looking to offer a web-based app alongside your website, building a PWA is the smart move. It’s hard to imagine a business that wouldn’t benefit from having a fast, lightweight, and installable mobile solution.

PWAs work particularly well in a wide range of industries. For eCommerce, they improve customer loyalty by speeding up the shopping experience. In banking, they keep sensitive user and payment data secure. For media companies, PWAs allow fast loading and offline content access. And for transportation, hotel, or taxi booking services, they provide fast and seamless booking experiences — without needing to go through an app store.