Progressive Web App (PWA)
You can publish as a Progressive Web App. This new technology makes your application available offline for your users and accessible directly from a shortcut on the home screen of their mobile device.
Benefits of the PWA
Like a standard web app, the Progressive Web App is viewable via a web browser (Chrome, Safari...) and no download is required.
From a mobile device, users can create a shortcut from their home screen for faster access.
It is also available offline thanks to workers services that provide content caching.
This is a good alternative to native formats if you want to create an application for mobile devices.
Learn more:
What is a Progressive Web App?
Browser compatibility
One of the main constraints of the PWA is browser compatibility due to the use of workers services. Before you start, make sure that your audience is well equipped:
| Browser | Compatible version |
|---|---|
| Chrome Desktop | 40 |
| Edge Desktop | 17 |
| Chrome Desktop | 44 |
| Internet Explorer Desktop | Not supported |
| Opera Desktop | 24 |
| Safari Desktop | 11.1 |
| Android Webview | Not supported |
| Chrome Android | 40 |
| Edge Mobile | 17 |
| Firefox Android Mobile | 44.0 (44) |
| IE Mobile | Not supported |
| Opera Android | OK |
| Safari iOS | 11.1 |
Add a shortcut to your home screen
By default, your PWA is viewable from a web browser and a dedicated URL. Here is the procedure for a user to create a shortcut to your PWA from the home screen of his phone:
The user must already click on the URL and open your PWA from their phone.
Go to Chrome menu and choose Add to home screen
Choose a name.
The icon appears on the home screen. The PWA is available offline.
