Progressive Web Apps (PWA) using Angular: Connecting the Web and Mobile

The fast pace of web technology evolution has opened the door to Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), which provide a native experience on both web and mobile platforms. PWAs fill the gap between native mobile apps and conventional websites, giving users an app-like experience without the need for installation from an app store.

Angular, a well-known front-end framework by Google, simplifies the creation and deployment of PWAs with native support and robust service workers. In this blog, we will see how to convert an Angular app into a PWA and what advantages it offers to both users and developers.

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a web app that uses the latest web features to provide an app-like experience. PWAs make use of features like service workers, web manifests, and caching to enable offline capability, instant loading, and push messages.

Key Features of PWAs:

• Offline Capability: Operates even in the absence of internet connectivity
• Fast and Responsive: Employs caching to enhance load times.
• Installable: Has the capability to be installed on the home screen like a native app.
• Push Notifications: Interacts with users through timely messages.
• Secure: Delivered over HTTPS to protect data.
• Progressive Enhancement: Supports all browsers and devices.

Angular supports PWAs natively with the Angular Service Worker and the @angular/pwa package, making it simpler to turn a normal Angular app into a PWA. Some of the reasons for using Angular for PWAs are:

• Modular and Scalable Architecture: Perfect for developing large-scale applications.
• Integrated Service Worker Support: Caching and offline support made easier.
• PWA Setup CLI Commands: Easy and fast implementation.
• Automatic Performance Improvements: Lazy loading and other features enhance speed and efficiency.

It is easy to convert an existing Angular app into a PWA using Angular's native tools. Here are the steps to enable PWA capabilities:

Step 1: Install Angular PWA Package

Execute the following command in the Angular project directory:

This command:

• Adds a service worker (ngsw-worker.js)
• Creates manifest.webmanifest file
• Updates the angular.json configuration
• Adds required icons for various devices

Step 2: Enable Service Workers

Angular utilizes service workers to provide offline support. Make sure ngsw-config.json is properly configured:

Step 3: Test PWA Features

Run the app and verify that the PWA features are enabled:

Use Google Lighthouse (in Chrome DevTools) to audit your app's PWA compliance.

Step 4: Deploy the PWA

After your PWA is in working condition, deploy it to an HTTPS-supported hosting service (e.g., Firebase, Netlify, Vercel).

1. Cost-Effective: There is no requirement for distinct web and mobile apps.
2. Improved User Experience: Push notifications and offline enablement enhance retention.
3. Cross-Platform Functionality: Offers smooth performance on all devices and browsers.
4. Optimised Performance: Enhanced loading time enhances user experience.
5. No App Store Dependency: Users can install the app from the browser without any dependency.

Progressive Web Apps with Angular provide a formidable solution for the development of cross-platform, high-performance applications. Developers can improve their web application with offline use, push notification, and installation with minimal extra effort. Taking advantage of PWA support directly in Angular provides businesses with a way to provide users with the same seamless experience as native apps, closing the gap between the web and native apps.

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