Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are web applications that utilize modern web technologies to deliver an experience similar to native mobile apps.

PWAs combine the best aspects of websites and mobile applications: accessibility through the web, the ability to install on a device, offline functionality, push notifications, and much more.

Fast: Fast Loading and Interactivity

App-like: PWAs look and feel like native applications.

A Service Worker is a script that runs in the background of a browser, independently of a web page. It allows for intercepting network requests, caching resources, and providing offline functionality.

live demo · related simulation● LIVE

Users can install PWAs on their device via prompt or app

Before Install Prompt: This feature encourages users to install the PWA directly from their browser.

Fast Loading: First Input Delay (FID) is less than 100ms.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Service Worker and how does it contribute to PWA functionality?

A Service Worker is a JavaScript file that runs in the background of a browser, independently of a web page. It’s crucial for PWAs because it enables features like caching resources and providing offline access.

What storage limitations should I be aware of when developing a PWA?

Storage limits depend on the browser and available device space. Chrome typically allows up to 60% free disk space, while IndexedDB can store significant amounts of data, though Cache API has limitations around several megabytes.

How does a Service Worker handle updates when files change?

A Service Worker is automatically checked upon each navigation request or programmatically through registration.update(). When a file changes, the new version is installed, but the old one continues to run until all browser tabs are closed. Use the ‘controllerchange’ event to refresh the page.

Can I wrap a PWA in a native container for publishing?

Yes, you can encapsulate a PWA within a native container (such as using Capacitor or Cordova) and publish it through app stores. Microsoft Store and Google Play also accept PWAs directly via Trusted Web Activities (Android) and the PWA Builder.

▶ Try it live

Everything above runs in your browser — open Hash Function Avalanche Visualizer and change the parameters while it is running. Nothing is installed, nothing is uploaded, the whole model lives in one tab.

▶ Open Hash Function Avalanche Visualizer simulation