Exploring Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): Building Offline-Ready Experiences

Imagine This…

You’re on a long flight, scrolling through an app, but there’s no Wi-Fi. You expect the app to stop working, but it doesn’t. You can still browse, interact, and use its features — just like you were online. This is the magic of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), and it’s changing how we think about building web applications. In this guide, we’ll explore what PWAs are, how they work, and how you can build one.

What Are Progressive Web Apps?

PWAs are web applications that look and feel like native apps but run in the browser. They combine the best of both worlds: the reach of the web and the functionality of native apps. A key feature of PWAs is their ability to work offline, offering seamless user experiences regardless of network conditions.

Core Concepts of PWAs

PWAs rely on three core technologies:

1. Service Workers

Think of service workers as your app’s behind-the-scenes crew. They manage caching, handle network requests, and ensure your app works offline.

• What they do: Intercept network requests, cache files, and serve them when offline.
• How to implement:

self.addEventListener('install', (event) => {
  event.waitUntil(
    caches.open('my-cache').then((cache) => {
      return…