A progressive web app, or PWA, is a website built with modern web standards so that it behaves much like an installed app. Users open it in a browser, can add it to their home screen, and it can load quickly, work with poor connectivity and in some cases send notifications.
Technically, a PWA relies on three main pieces: a web app manifest that describes its name, icons and display settings, a service worker, which is a script that runs in the background to cache files and manage network requests, and delivery over secure HTTPS. Because it is still a website, it uses one codebase and is reached through a normal link.
Retailers and venues use PWAs for ordering, loyalty pages, staff tools and handheld tasks where a full app store release is unnecessary. They suit situations where customers need to get started instantly, such as scanning a QR code at a table and using the menu right away.
Limits should be understood. Support for features such as push notifications, background tasks and access to device hardware varies between browsers and operating systems, and is often more restricted on iPhones than on Android. A PWA will not appear in app stores by default, so discovery relies on search and links. Offline behaviour needs deliberate design, including how stale data is handled.
PWAs matter because they offer a cheaper, faster route to an app-like experience without separate iOS and Android builds. For many retail use cases they deliver the benefits customers notice, speed and convenience, with lower development and maintenance effort.