Building a comprehensive PWA using React

Getting started with React & Progressier

1. 

   1Sign up to Progressier

   Create a Progressier account, and when asked for how your app was built, select React, then continue to see the tasks required to add Progressier to your existing React app. It usually takes 5 minutes or less.

2. 

   2Add the script tag to your HTML

   Add our manifest/script tag to your HTML template (anywhere in the head). Just place the code snippet provided in the Progressier dashboard right below your Google Analytics script, Google Font links, or other third-party meta tags and stylesheets.

3. 

   3Import our service worker file

   Progressier also provides you with a JavaScript file to use as service worker. If you're using webpack, you likely already have a service worker. You can use importScripts to add our service worker file into your existing SW file.

4. 

   4Install your PWA

   Progressier create an installation page for your React PWA (e.g. install.page/covid). This link gives users an easy way to install your app across devices and browsers. Alternatively, your PWA can be made installable directly within the body of your app with our in-app promotion elements.

5. 

   5Send a push notification

   Progressier comes with a complete solution for push notifications. Customize how/when to prompt users to allow notifications, and then notify users right from our dashboard (or with our API). Optionally, you can even connect your own user data to send granular push notifications.

Which PWA features does React support?

Why choose React and Progressier for your PWA?

Currently, React, a brainchild of Facebook, reigns as the foremost client-side JavaScript framework. With its component reusability and virtual DOM, React is optimal for crafting scalable, intricate apps. Many consider it the prime framework for PWAs.

Integrating Progressier with your React app bestows you with a flexible app manifest editable via a dashboard instead of directly in code, a more advanced service worker than Workbox, an all-inclusive push notification system, top-tier PWA promotional tools, continuously updated iOS splash screens, and PWA analytics.

Why not stick to the default React PWA service worker?

While the Create React App site offers guidance on building progressive web apps inclusive of auto-precaching URL instructions, its default service worker has shortcomings:

• Lack of built-in support for push notifications
• Reliance on Workbox, which, despite being intricate, offers less caching flexibility than Progressier
• No straightforward method to resend POST requests during offline periods

Any potential pitfalls with React PWAs?

Ensure you turn off React's caching/offline-first feature to prevent overlap with Progressier's capabilities. Also, double-check to avoid unintentionally deregistering the service worker using serviceWorkerRegistration.unregister();.

For those utilizing tools like Webpack, Gulp, or Babel in their deployment pipeline and attempting to import the Progressier service worker into their existing one via importScripts, an importScripts is not defined error might crop up. A solution can be found here.

Do React, Angular, and Vue have distinct differences concerning PWAs?

In essence, no. If you can manage the root of your domain, you can craft a PWA, irrespective of the underlying framework of your app.

Is it possible to list a React PWA on Google Play and the App Store?

Absolutely! Leveraging Progressier alongside PWABuilder enables you to develop a comprehensive PWA and position it on both Google Play and the App Store.

What prerequisites exist for forging a React-based PWA?

Your React application should be SSL-secured, incorporate a web app manifest, and include a service worker with an attached listener for the fetch event.

Can push notifications be dispatched from a React PWA?

Certainly! By integrating Progressier, your React PWA is instantly equipped with a holistic system for crafting, timing, and transmitting push notifications.

Will a React-driven PWA operate offline?

Indeed! Utilizing either Progressier or Workbox, you can set caching methods to ensure your React application operates seamlessly offline.