Web Application Manifests

Summary

A web application manifest is a JSON-based manifest (usually labeled manifest.json) to provide developers a centralized place to put metadata associated with a web application including:

• The name of the web application
• Links to the web app icons or image objects
• The preferred URL to launch or open the web app
• The web app configuration data
• Default orientation of the web app
• The option to set the display mode, e.g. full screen

This metadata is crucial for an app to be added to a home screen or otherwise listed alongside native apps. The format is based on a W3C specification.

A progressive web application (PWA), or progressive web app, is a type of application software delivered through the web, built using common web technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WebAssembly. It is intended to work on any platform with a standards-compliant browser, including desktop and mobile devices.

Since a progressive web app is a type of webpage or website known as a web application, it does not require separate bundling or distribution. Developers can simply publish the web application online, ensure that it meets baseline installation requirements and that users will be able to add the application to their home screen. Publishing the app to digital distribution systems like Apple App Store or Google Play is optional.

References and Further Reading

• Contributors of Wikipedia: Progressive Web App. Wikipedia — The Free Encyclopedia.
• Web Application Manifest. World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
• Contributors of Mozilla Developers Network: Web app manifests. Mozilla Developers Network.
• application/manifest+json Registration Template. Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). Date Created: 2021-06-22.