PWA stands for Progressive Web Application.
A PWA is a web application that uses modern web capabilities to deliver an app-like experience, including offline support, push notifications, and installation on the home screen.
PWAs and WebRTC
WebRTC works within PWAs just as it does in regular web pages, since PWAs run in the browser engine. Key considerations:
- HTTPS required: Both PWAs and WebRTC (getUserMedia) require secure origins, so this is naturally aligned
- Background behavior: PWAs can be installed and run more persistently than regular browser tabs, but browsers may throttle background WebRTC connections
- Permissions: Camera/microphone permissions persist across sessions when the PWA is installed
- Push notifications: PWAs can use push notifications to alert users of incoming calls
Some video conferencing platforms offer PWA versions as an alternative to native desktop apps, combining the convenience of web deployment with a more integrated user experience.
