Unlock the Power of Progressive Web Apps with Svelte
What are Progressive Web Apps?
Imagine having the same seamless experience of a native mobile app, but with the convenience of a web application. That’s what Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) offer. By leveraging modern web technologies, PWAs provide users with a fast, reliable, and engaging experience, regardless of their device or internet connection.
The Magic Behind PWAs
Two key features make PWAs possible:
- Service Workers: act as intermediaries between your web app and the browser, allowing you to cache resources, handle poor internet connections, and provide offline support.
- Web Manifests: enable users to download or install your app on their device, giving them a native-like experience.
Building a PWA with Svelte
Svelte, a modern framework, makes it easy to build PWAs. Let’s create a simple PWA using Svelte.
npm init svelte@next my-pwa-appFirst, create a new Svelte project and install the required dependencies. Then, add a service worker to cache files used in navigation and record what you cache.
import { Cache } from 'workbox-cache-expiration';
const cache = new Cache('my-cache');
// Cache files used in navigation
cache.addAll([
'/',
'/offline.html',
'/manifest.json',
'/styles.css',
'/script.js',
]);
// Record what you cache
cache.keys().then((keys) => {
console.log(keys);
});Finally, create an offline.html file and a manifest.json file to define your app’s metadata.
{
"name": "My PWA App",
"short_name": "My App",
"description": "A simple PWA app",
"icons": [
{
"src": "icon-192x192.png",
"sizes": "192x192",
"type": "image/png"
}
],
"start_url": "/",
"display": "standalone",
"background_color": "#fff",
"theme_color": "#4db7fe"
}Taking it to the Next Level with SvelteKit
SvelteKit, a newer framework, offers even more features to enhance your PWA. Let’s create a “Hello, World!” application using SvelteKit.
npm init sveltekit@next my-pwa-app-kitAfter setting up the project, add a manifest.json file and modify the app.html file to reference it.
<head>
<link rel="manifest" href="manifest.json">
</head>Then, create a service-worker.js file to handle offline usage.
import { precacheAndRoute } from 'workbox-precaching';
precacheAndRoute(self.__WB_MANIFEST);
self.addEventListener('fetch', (event) => {
event.respondWith(
caches.open('my-cache').then((cache) => {
return cache.match(event.request).then((response) => {
return response || fetch(event.request);
});
}),
);
});Building a PWA with Sapper
Sapper, another popular framework, also supports PWAs. Create a Sapper application and install the required dependencies.
npx degit sveltejs/sapper-template#rollup my-pwa-app-sapperYou’ll notice that the project already includes a service worker and a manifest file, making it easy to develop a PWA.
The Future of PWAs
With the rise of native applications, PWAs are becoming increasingly popular. By using modern frameworks like Svelte, building a PWA is more accessible than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, PWAs offer an exciting opportunity to create engaging, user-friendly experiences.
Learn more about building PWAs with Svelte