Authors: Diego Gonzalez
Here for Origin Trials? The Web Install API is currently available as an Origin Trial in Chrome and Microsoft Edge versions 143-148. See Origin Trial Instructions to learn more.
The work on Web Install has been separated into two explainers: current and background document installations. The 'current document' installation refers to installation of the curently loaded web application and is being discussed in the Web Applications WG. The 'background document' installation refers to installation of web applications different from the current loaded navigable. Background document installations are being discussed and incubated in WICG.
| Explainer | Expected Venue |
|---|---|
| Web Install (current document) | WebApps WG |
| Web Install (background document) | WICG |
The Web Install API provides a way to democratise and decentralise web application acquisition, by enabling "do-it-yourself" end users and developers to have control over the application discovery and distribution process. It provides the tools needed to allow a web site to install a web app. This means end users have the option to more easily discover new applications and experiences that they can acquire with reduced friction.
The current way of acquiring a web app may involve search, navigation, proprietary protocols, proprietary app banners, and multiple other workarounds. This can be confusing for end users that must learn how to acquire apps in every different platform, with even different browsers handling the acquisition process differently.
The web platform doesn't have a built-in way to facilitate app discovery and distribution, the Web Install API aims to fix this.
See the FAQs about the Web Install API.
This explainer takes on a reimagination of a capability previously published by PEConn.
Throughout the development of this capability we've revceived a lot of feedback and support from lots of people. We've like to give a special thanks to Daniel Appelquist, Amanda Baker, Marcos Cáceres, Lu Huang, Kristin Lee, Daniel Murphy, Alex Russell and Howard Wolosky for their input.
For suggestions and comments, please file an issue.
