Building a Progressive Web App (PWA) with Flutter
Tags: flutter, pwa, web
Published: 2024-06-24 10:28:19

---
title: Building a Progressive Web App (PWA) with Flutter
published: true
description: Deliver app-like experiences directly in the browser, reaching users on any device.
tags: flutter, pwa, web
cover_image: https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/tdsikcmtgwiofctk2mi1.png
# Use a ratio of 100:42 for best results.
# published_at: 2024-06-24 09:25 +0000
---



Imagine a world where users can enjoy app-like experiences without clogging their phones with endless downloads. That's the power of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). For startups and businesses entering the digital space, PWAs offer a compelling alternative to traditional app development. Ditch the bulky app downloads and reach a wider audience with a lightning-fast, web-based solution.

**Benefits of PWAs (Focus on User Benefits):**

* **Seamless User Experience:** PWAs deliver app-like functionality directly from the web, with features like offline access and push notifications. Users get the best of both worlds: web accessibility and app-like convenience.
* **Increased User Base:** Eliminate the download barrier! PWAs work across devices and don't require app store approval, expanding your reach to a wider audience.
* **Reduced Development Costs:** Build once, deploy everywhere. PWAs share a codebase for web and mobile, saving you time and resources compared to developing separate native apps.

**Technology Stack for PWA Development:**

This article will guide you through the ideal technology stack for PWA development, including frameworks like Flutter that streamline the process.

**What You'll Learn:**

* **Understanding PWAs:** We'll delve into the core concepts and benefits of PWAs.
* **Tech Stack for Success:** Discover the best tools and frameworks for building efficient PWAs.
* **Development and Launch Steps:** Learn a step-by-step approach to developing and deploying your PWA.



**What is a Progressive Web Application (PWA)?**

PWAs, or Progressive Web Apps, are a revolutionary approach to building applications. They bridge the gap between traditional websites and native mobile apps, offering users an app-like experience accessible directly through the web browser.

**Here's what makes PWAs so exciting:**

* **Install-Free Experience:** No need to clog up phone storage! Users can access PWAs directly from the web, eliminating the app store download process.
* **Offline Functionality:** PWAs can work even when there's no internet connection. They can store essential data and functionalities for users to access later.
* **Native-like Feel:** PWAs offer features like push notifications and home screen icons, providing an experience that rivals native apps.
* **Wider Reach:** PWAs work seamlessly across different devices (desktop, mobile, tablets) without requiring separate development for each platform.
* **Faster Development:** Building a PWA often takes less time and resources compared to developing native apps for various platforms.


**Before diving in, here's what you'll need:**

* **Flutter SDK:** The core framework for building PWAs.
* **Chrome Browser:** Essential for debugging your web app.
* **IDE:** Choose your preferred development environment (VS Code, Android Studio, or IntelliJ IDEA).
* **Plugins:** Install Flutter & Dart Plugins within your chosen IDE.



You need to begin by installing the Flutter SDK and Chrome in your system to start over. Although Flutter offers four channels i.e., `master`, `beta`, `dev`, and `stable`. But to develop a progressive web app with Flutter you can only use `master`, `beta`, and `stable`. So, here we have used a stable version, you can also use any of these three. 

```dart
 flutter channel stable
```
 
To upgrade to the latest version of the stable

```dart
 flutter upgrade
```

Create a Futter project

```dart
 flutter create. hospital_pwa
```

**Important Note:** The command requires a period (".") at the end to enable web support correctly.



**Run and Test on Chrome:**
After enabling web support and building your app's HTML and responsiveness, launch it directly in Chrome for testing.

```dart
flutter run -d chrome
```

**Build your Project**

To build a web version of your Flutter application.

```dart
flutter build web
```

The `flutter build web` command generates the web version of your app.


![Output](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/o7v36ngdvftnypti80bp.png)


Once you've built your PWA using `flutter build web`, it's time to make it accessible to the world! Here's a breakdown of the deployment and launch process:

**1. Choose a Hosting Platform:**

Select a web hosting platform to serve your PWA's static files. Popular options include:

* **Firebase Hosting:** Offers a free tier and easy integration with other Firebase services. [firebase](https://firebase.google.com/products/app-hosting)
* **Netlify:** Streamlined deployment process and features like automatic HTTPS and CDN. [netlify](https://www.netlify.com)
* **Vercel:** Performance-focused platform with global edge network and serverless functions (optional).[vercel](https://vercel.com)
* **Static website hosting:** Any web server that supports static content hosting can be used.

**2. Deployment Process:**

Each platform has its deployment instructions. Generally, you'll need to:

* **Connect your hosting account to your project.**
* **Upload the contents of the `build/web` folder generated by `flutter build web`.**
* **Configure custom domains (optional):** You can connect a custom domain name to your PWA for a more professional look.

**3. Testing and Launch:**

* **Test your PWA thoroughly in different browsers and devices.**
* **Once everything is functioning as expected, launch your PWA!**
* **Promote your PWA:** Share the link to your PWA on social media, your website, or app stores (if applicable for PWA discovery).


**Congratulations!** You've explored the exciting world of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and how Flutter empowers you to build them effectively. By leveraging Flutter's capabilities, you can create fast, reliable, and app-like web experiences that work seamlessly across devices.

**Don't forget to like and comment your thoughts for more!** Stay tuned for further insights and tutorials in Flutter.

Happy Coding!!!