Architecture of Progressive Web Apps (PWA)
In today’s digital landscape, mobile applications have become an integral part of our daily
lives, facilitating seamless interactions and transactions on the go. However, with the emergence of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), there is a growing debate over whether they can replace native mobile apps.
PWAs represent a significant shift in web development, bridging the gap between standard websites and native mobile applications. A PWA, like a website, can run across different platforms and devices using the same codebase. It, like a platform-specific program, can be loaded on the device, run in the background or offline, and interface with the device and other installed apps.
Progressive Web Apps are web applications that leverage modern web technologies to deliver app-like experiences directly through the browser
Architecture of Progressive Web Apps
As lightweight versions of native apps, progressive web apps (PWAs) offer a reliable, instantly installable version of traditional apps. Here’s an overview of the architecture components:
1. Service Workers
Service workers are the backbone of PWA architecture. They are JavaScript files that run in the background and intercept network requests, allowing PWAs to work offline or on low-quality networks. Service workers cache static assets and API responses, enabling faster loading times and offline access.
2. App Shell Model
The App Shell Model is a design pattern used in PWAs to provide a fast and reliable user interface. It involves separating the app’s core structure (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) from the dynamic content. The shell, consisting of the core UI elements, is cached by the service worker and loaded instantly, while the dynamic content is fetched asynchronously.
3. Web App Manifest
The web app manifest is a JSON file that provides metadata about the PWA, such as its name, icons, theme colors, and display modes. It allows users to install the PWA on their device’s home screen, giving it a native app-like appearance and enhancing discoverability.
4. Responsive Design
PWAs are built with responsive design principles to ensure a consistent user experience across various devices and screen sizes. Responsive design allows PWAs to adapt their layout and content dynamically based on the user’s device, providing an optimal viewing experience. Responsive design employs a single codebase that automatically adjusts the layout and content to accommodate different screen sizes.
5. HTTPS
PWAs require a secure connection via HTTPS to ensure data integrity and user security. HTTPS encryption prevents man-in-the-middle attacks and protects sensitive information exchanged between the user’s device and the server.
6. IndexedDB
IndexedDB is a client-side database used by PWAs to store large amounts of structured data locally. It allows PWAs to cache dynamic content, such as user preferences, session data, and offline transactions, for faster access and improved performance.
7. Push Notifications
Push notifications enable PWAs to engage with users even when the app is not actively open in the browser. Service workers handle push notifications by listening for incoming messages from the server and displaying them to the user, enhancing user engagement and re-engagement.
Overall, the architecture of Progressive Web Apps combines the best features of web and native apps, providing a fast, reliable, and engaging user experience across all devices and network conditions. To make your app available to consumers, you place it on a web server that can be accessed via HTTPS. Your server contains:
Back-end code: The endpoints required by your app when connected to the internet to retrieve dynamic material stored in your server’s database.
Front-end code: The resources required to put the program on the user’s device, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code.