📱 What is a PWA (Progressive Web App)?
A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a web application that uses modern web capabilities to deliver an app-like experience to users — directly from the browser.
✅ PWAs combine the reach of the web with the experience of a native app — installable, offline-capable, and fast.
🚀 Key Features of a PWA
Feature | Description |
---|---|
📲 Installable | Users can “Add to Home Screen” like a native app |
📶 Offline Support | Works without internet using service workers |
⚡ Fast Loading | Caches assets and responses for speed |
🔔 Push Notifications | Re-engage users (requires HTTPS + permissions) |
🖥️ Responsive Design | Works on any screen size/device |
🔒 Secure (HTTPS) | Required for service workers and security |
🔄 Auto Updates | Updates silently in the background |
🛠️ Core Components of a PWA
Manifest File (
manifest.json
)Describes how your app appears (name, icons, start URL, theme)
Service Worker
JS file that runs in the background, enables offline and caching
HTTPS Hosting
Mandatory for security (Netlify, Vercel, Firebase Hosting, etc.)
📁 Sample manifest.json
json
{
"name": "My PWA App",
"short_name": "PWA",
"start_url": "/index.html",
"display": "standalone",
"background_color": "#ffffff",
"theme_color": "#0d0d0d",
"icons": [
{
"src": "/icons/icon-192.png",
"sizes": "192x192",
"type": "image/png"
}
]
}
🧠 Basic Service Worker Example
js
// sw.js
self.addEventListener('install', e => {
e.waitUntil(
caches.open('static-cache').then(cache => {
return cache.addAll(['/', '/index.html', '/styles.css']);
})
);
});
self.addEventListener('fetch', e => {
e.respondWith(
caches.match(e.request).then(response => {
return response || fetch(e.request);
})
);
});
Register it in your app:
js
if ('serviceWorker' in navigator) {
navigator.serviceWorker.register('/sw.js');
}
✅ PWA Checklist
Requirement | Must Have |
---|---|
Manifest file | ✅ |
Service worker | ✅ |
Served over HTTPS | ✅ |
Responsive UI | ✅ |
Works offline | ✅ |
Fast initial load | ✅ |
Installable prompt | ✅ |
Use Lighthouse to test PWA compliance.
🧰 Tools & Frameworks for PWAs
Tool / Framework | PWA Support |
---|---|
React (CRA) | Built-in serviceWorker.js |
Next.js | Plugin: next-pwa |
Vue.js | Official PWA plugin |
SvelteKit | Use vite-plugin-pwa |
Workbox | Google’s library for advanced service worker handling |
🧑💻 Use Cases for PWAs
📰 News apps (offline reading)
🛒 E-commerce (faster repeat visits)
📱 Social platforms
🎮 Web games
📚 Educational platforms
✅ Benefits Over Native Apps
PWA | Native App |
---|---|
No app store needed | Requires submission/review |
One codebase (HTML/JS/CSS) | Platform-specific (iOS, Android) |
Fast updates | Slower, often user-dependent |
Easier to deploy | Complex release cycles |
📦 Deploying a PWA
You can host PWAs on:
[✅ GitHub Pages](with HTTPS setup)