Advanced Installable Web Apps - Topic 3

1. Introduction

Installable Web Apps are a core feature of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), allowing users to install web applications on their devices like native apps. This lesson covers advanced aspects of creating installable web apps, focusing on service workers, web app manifests, and best practices.

2. Key Concepts

3. Service Worker Registration

To enable your web app to be installable, you need to register a service worker. Follow these steps:

1. Ensure your web app is served over HTTPS.
2. Create a service worker file (e.g., sw.js).
3. Register the service worker in your main JavaScript file:

if ('serviceWorker' in navigator) {
    window.addEventListener('load', function() {
        navigator.serviceWorker.register('/sw.js').then(function(registration) {
            console.log('ServiceWorker registration successful with scope: ', registration.scope);
        }, function(error) {
            console.log('ServiceWorker registration failed: ', error);
        });
    });
}
            

4. Web App Manifest

Create a manifest file named manifest.json and link it in your HTML:

Example content of manifest.json:

{
    "name": "My App",
    "short_name": "App",
    "start_url": "/index.html",
    "display": "standalone",
    "background_color": "#ffffff",
    "theme_color": "#317EFB",
    "icons": [
        {
            "src": "/icon-192x192.png",
            "sizes": "192x192",
            "type": "image/png"
        },
        {
            "src": "/icon-512x512.png",
            "sizes": "512x512",
            "type": "image/png"
        }
    ]
}
            

5. Best Practices

• Keep your service worker lightweight to ensure quick load times.
• Use cache strategies to manage assets efficiently.
• Regularly update your web app and service worker for new features and improvements.

6. FAQ