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Item 237 of 426 · Year 12: Programming for the Web, 3 of 59
Progressive web app (PWA)
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Definition
A web application that works like a native app: installable, works offline and loads quickly using a service worker and cache, can send push notifications and runs on any device with a browser.
Example: 2025 Q16a marker note: give features specific to a PWA (offline use, pre-caching, notifications) and link to the scenario.
Found in: syllabus, 2025 HSC marking guidelines, sample exam and familiarisation guidelines, school notes.
Installable, offline-capable web app (service worker, manifest, HTTPS).
Where you'll use it in the test
Syllabus area: Y12 Programming for the Web.
Question types it can appear in
- Short answer: Compare PWA with an interactive website (2025 Q16a)
- Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.
- Fill in the blanks: Choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Where it has appeared in the paper
Programming for the Web (Part A). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.
Related past questions
- 2025 HSC Q16a (3 marks): Progressive web apps Programming for the Web (Part A) · 3 marks
How to use it
A model sentence
“A web application that works like a native app: installable, works offline and loads quickly using a service worker and cache, can send push notifications and runs on any device with a browser.” Then apply it: 2025 Q16a marker note: give features specific to a PWA (offline use, pre-caching, notifications) and link to the scenario.
In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.
Command words used with it
- Compare: Show how things are similar or different. (2025 HSC Q16a (3 marks): Progressive web apps)
Official worked answer
2025 HSC Q16a (3 marks): Progressive web apps (3 marks): official criteria and sample answer
Criteria
3: Compares the use of a PWA with an interactive website for the weather app. 2: Outlines features of a PWA and/or interactive website. 1: Identifies a feature of a PWA or an interactive website.
Sample answer
Both PWAs and interactive websites are platform-independent, allowing users to access the app on any device with a browser. PWAs can pre-cache updates to enable offline updates when a stable internet connection is not available but may not provide real time updates for the most recent changes to weather or warnings. Meanwhile, interactive websites require a constant internet connection to provide any updates.
Go deeper
- Flashcard: Progressive web app (PWA) in Programming for the Web (Year 12) · study that set
- Memorise: Applications of web programming: interactive websites, e-commerce, PWAs
- Key terms bank entry: Progressive web app (PWA)
- Master answer: hsc2025-q16a (3 marks, short answer (compare)) (Master model answers: Programming for the Web)
- Master answer: sample-q12b (3 marks, short answer (explain, max 75 words)) (Master model answers: Programming for the Web)
- Notes: Design, develop and implement a progressive web app (PWA), including the application of… (Programming for the Web (Year 12))
- Full term page: every question, note and marking comment for Progressive web app (PWA)
Check yourself
Explain “Progressive web app (PWA)” in one sentence, give an example, and name a question type that could test it.
Reveal the answer
A web application that works like a native app: installable, works offline and loads quickly using a service worker and cache, can send push notifications and runs on any device with a browser.
Example: 2025 Q16a marker note: give features specific to a PWA (offline use, pre-caching, notifications) and link to the scenario.
Could be tested as: Short answer, Multiple choice, Fill in the blanks.
Quick multiple choice
Which technology allows a progressive web app (PWA) to work offline?
- Image maps
- Service workers that cache resources
- Frames
- Server-side session variables
Show the answer
B
PWAs use service workers (plus a web app manifest for installability) to cache assets and data.
Source: original (written for this study pack; not a NESA question). Open it in the multiple-choice bank.