How to Build a React Progressive Web Application?
Tags: react, javascript, programming, tutorial
Published: 2021-11-22 17:59:53

Classify the users and the most compatible user operations when determining if the succeeding application should be a mainstream web app, a website, or a native mobile device. A progressive web app runs in all browsers and enhances the user interface once the user's browser is updated with new and [enhanced functionality and APIs](https://ziniosedge.com/differences-between-api-and-microservices-heres-all-you-need-to-know/). As a consequence, there is no inconsistency in the user interface between a modern mobile app and a conventional website; nevertheless, you will require to recognise what features to promote offline, and you may require to help navigation. 

A [progressive web app](https://ziniosedge.com/web-application-automated-loan-processing-platform/), by design, would run on any platform and constantly update, getting advantage of any functionality existing on the user's device and browser. Suppose such features are necessitated for significant user activities but are not yet available due to a deficiency of cross-browser compatibility. In that case, a native mobile application could be the most suitable choice, ensuring a consistent experience for all users. 

Progressive Web Apps are generated employing a modern technology recognised as service workers. Service operators are scripts that are event-oriented and have access to domain-wide events. These are programmable proxies that remain between the user's browser tab and the rest of the Internet. They prevent network requests and rewrite or fabricate them to contribute very granular caching and offline service.   

##Characteristics of React##

Currently, ReactJS obtaining quite agile fame as the most reliable JavaScript framework among web developers. It is making a significant role in the front-end ecosystem. Now, we are continuing to provide you with the essential features of ReactJS in the following section. Let us take a more familiar look at some significant features of React. 

1. Lightweight DOM For Better Performance 
2. Natural Learning Curve 
3. Components Support And Little Dependencies 
4. The desired interface can be created in a relatively simple manner. 
5. Error boundaries 

##Knowing the Progressive Web App##

While browsing something on the Internet, have you ever noticed an “Add To Home Screen”banner, as shown below images. 
Have a look:   ![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/neop9p5jxgrm38bqk0ge.png)
 

Note: Image istaken from Google   REF: https://gfycat.com/gifs/search/progressive+web+apps 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/21cgtk9d5z8hz5fq3feb.png)
 
 
When you hit the button, the “application” installs itself in the backdrop. When you start this application that now continues in your app drawer, you can comfortably browse the likewise experience you were doing on your browser, but now directly in your mobile phone. 

You know what, installing the application was so simple. But that's not even the great part. Because, when you open the app, you will be capable to browse the content even when you do not have internet access. You have offline access to that appropriate app. Now just think, how reliable is that? 

After the process of connecting the multiple applications in a front home screen is PWA that blends new technologies with installed best practices for creating reliable, accessible, and appealing experiences. They provide users with a native-like experience with a user-friendly opt-in installation process. 

Progressive Web App isn’t a distinctive frame or technology. Preferably, it is a combination of best practices to make a [web application](https://ziniosedge.com/services/application-engineering/) function more comparable to a desktop or [mobile application](v). Here, the purpose is to have an experience where the user is unable to tell the variation between a Progressive Web App and a native mobile app. Now that you understand a little more about the progressive web apps, So let's delve into the overview of understanding how to create PWA. PWAs can support businesses to take their development backlog and the resources to get originated with such applications.

##How to create aReact.js Progressive Web App##

We suggest using create-react-app, which is an officially supported way of creating React apps.It gives a modern setup with no configuration necessitated.You can build an app by running  npx create-react-app my-app 

After app production, you can use React the identical way you’d use it normally. You don’t need to install any supplementary dependencies or libraries. 

You don’t even have to create your service worker –create-react-app gives you their boilerplate one, although it is unregistered. We'd suggest having it that way until you’re finished with your app and required to test it as a PWA since sometimes, it makes debugging harder. 

##Building a PWA with create-react-app##

To perform our PWA, we’re proceeding to work on create-react-app. This remarkable project has had inbuilt support for making PWAs. In modern days, that support has matured to a very satisfying level. To create ourselves a TypeScript React app using create-react-app, enter this npx command in the console: 

/npx create-react-app pwa-react-typescript--template typescript/ 

This creates you aReact web app built with TypeScript. It can be tested locally with: 

cd pwa-react-typescriptyarn start 

##Making your React app a PWA##

The two foremost elements of a PWA are a Service Worker and a Web Manifest. While it's feasible to combine both of these to an app manually, a base project from Create ReactApp (CRA) and the Ionic CLI gives this already.

In the index.ts for your app, there is a request to a serviceWorker.unregister()function. The base CRA provides has service workers as an opt-in feature, so it must be approved. To enabled,callserviceWorker.register().   

import React from 'react'; 
import ReactDOM from 'react-dom'; 
import App from './App'; 
import * as serviceWorker from './serviceWorker';   

ReactDOM.render(<App />, document.getElementById('root'));   
// If you want your app to work offline and load faster, you can change 
// unregister() to register() below. Note this comes with some pitfalls. 
// Learn more about service workers: https://bit.ly/CRA-PWA // serviceWorker.unregister(); 

serviceWorker.register();     

##A comparison: Responsive Web apps and Native apps##

##Native App##

A native app is designed to run on a precise mobile operating system.A native mobile app is immediately installed on the smartphone and can work, in most instances, without internet connectivity depending on the quality of the app. The native apps can operate much quicker by checking the endowment of the processor. Native apps receive the permission of the app store they are intended for, which indicates in most of the scenarios the user can be assured of the communication, and the native app responds the way its user expects. 

##Responsive Web App##

A responsive web can perform comparable functionality to an appropriate app, and with limited creativity, the variation can be decreased.The web app runs via a web browser on the smartphone but entails either a cell signal or wi-fi to operate. They are much more comfortable for users to identify since their pages can be simply represented in the search results and can be listed in common search engines such as Google or Bing. The web app has the chance of being accepted on multiple devices with the only stipulation being a web browser and an internet connection. 

##Signing Off##

Progressive Web Apps are the major apps that operate on any browser or device, online and offline and can be installed on any device except for iOS devices. If you use create-react-app, you can change your app into a Progressive Web App in just mentioned easy ways.