The programs that are a hybrid between a software program and a web page are called web applications. These applications combine features of traditional software and web pages, allowing users to interact with them through a web browser while offering functionalities similar to software programs
. A specific type of hybrid application, often used in mobile development, is called a hybrid app. Hybrid apps are built using web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) but run inside a native container, enabling them to be downloaded from app stores and access device-specific features that pure web apps cannot. They blend the advantages of native apps and web apps, working across multiple platforms and sometimes functioning offline
. Additionally, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) represent another form of hybrid web applications that combine the best features of websites and mobile apps, such as offline access and push notifications, while being accessible via browsers
. In summary:
- The general term for programs blending software and web pages is web applications.
- When such programs are designed to run on mobile devices with native-like features, they are often called hybrid apps.
- Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are a modern form of hybrid web applications optimized for mobile-like experiences in browsers.
