How to Build Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in 2025?

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) have become a game-changer in web development, offering app-like experiences directly through the browser without requiring downloads from app stores. In 2025, advancements in web technologies make building PWAs even more powerful and accessible. This blog will guide you through the steps to create a PWA, from understanding its core components to implementing best practices for performance, offline functionality, and user engagement. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge to create a cutting-edge PWA that stands out.

Author :

Picture of moaad khalal

moaad khalal

CEO , Developer & Designer

Step 1: Understanding the Core Components of a PWA

PWA progressive web app mobile apps with m5 tech
Before diving into development, it’s essential to understand what makes a Progressive Web App unique. PWAs combine the best of web and mobile apps, offering features like offline access, push notifications, and fast load times. Three key components define a PWA:
Service Workers: These scripts run in the background and enable offline functionality, caching, and push notifications.
Web App Manifest: A JSON file that defines your app’s metadata (name, icons, theme colors) and allows users to install the app on their device.
HTTPS: Secure communication is mandatory for PWAs, ensuring user data protection and enabling advanced features like service workers.
Understanding these components will help you design a PWA that meets modern standards and delivers an optimal user experience.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Development Environment

react angular next vue js framworks fro pwa development m5 tech
Building a PWA starts with setting up the right tools and technologies. Choose a framework or library that suits your project. Popular choices in 2025 include:
– React with Vite: For building high-performance PWAs.
– Angular: Offers built-in support for PWA development.
– Next.js: Ideal for server-side rendering and PWA functionality.
-Vue.js with Nuxt: Lightweight and developer-friendly.
Steps to Set Up:
1- Install Node.js and a package manager like npm or Yarn.
2- Create a new project using your chosen framework (e.g., npx create-react-app my-pwa).
3- Add PWA capabilities with tools like Workbox, a library from Google that simplifies service worker management.
Pro Tip:
Use Lighthouse, a free tool from Google, to audit your PWA during development and ensure it meets performance and usability standards.

Step 3: Creating the Web App Manifest

manifest app json m5 tech
The Web App Manifest is a JSON file that describes your app and defines how it behaves when installed on a user’s device. This file is crucial for making your PWA installable.

Steps to Create a Manifest:

1- Create a manifest.json file in your project directory.
2- Add the following key properties:
      -name: The full name of your app.
      -short_name: A shorter name for the app icon.
      -start_url: The URL your app opens on launch.
      -icons: A list of image sizes for app icons.
      -theme_color: The color of the app’s UI elements.
      -background_color: The background color during loading.
      -display: Set to standalone for a native app-like appearance.

Step 4: Implementing a Service Worker for Offline Functionality

offline functionality in pwa app m5 tech
Service workers are the backbone of a PWA, enabling offline access, caching, and background tasks. They intercept network requests and serve cached assets when the network is unavailable. Steps to Add a Service Worker:

1- Create a service-worker.js file in your project directory.
2- Use the Workbox library to simplify caching and precaching. Install Workbox using npm:
open bash terminal or cmd

npm install workbox-cli --save-dev

3- Register the service worker in your app’s entry file (e.g., index.js):

if ('serviceWorker' in navigator) {
  navigator.serviceWorker.register('/service-worker.js').then(() => {
    console.log('Service Worker registered!');
  });
}


4- Use the service worker to cache essential assets and handle fetch events:

self.addEventListener('install', (event) => {
  event.waitUntil(
    caches.open('my-cache').then((cache) => {
      return cache.addAll(['/index.html', '/styles.css', '/script.js']);
    })
  );
});

self.addEventListener('fetch', (event) => {
  event.respondWith(
    caches.match(event.request).then((response) => {
      return response || fetch(event.request);
    })
  );
});


Pro Tip: Regularly update your service worker to prevent outdated assets from being served.

Step 5: Optimizing Performance and User Engagement

picture optimisation m5 tech
To make your PWA stand out, focus on performance optimization and user engagement features like push notifications and app installs.

Performance Optimization Tips:
– Lazy Loading: Load images and components only when needed to improve speed.
– Image Optimization: Use modern formats like WebP for smaller file sizes.
– Code Splitting: Break your code into smaller chunks to improve load times.

Enhancing User Engagement:

Add push notifications using the Web Push API. This requires integrating a push notification service like Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM).
Implement an app install prompt using the beforeinstallprompt event :

window.addEventListener('beforeinstallprompt', (event) => {
  event.prompt();
});

Conclusion: Building the Future with PWAs

pwa app with m5 tech
Progressive Web Apps are the future of web development, offering a seamless blend of web and mobile app features. By understanding the core components, setting up your development environment, and implementing best practices for performance and engagement, you can create a PWA that delights users and stands out in 2025. Remember, building a great PWA is not just about technology it’s about delivering value to your audience through speed, reliability, and user-centric design.

How to Build Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in 2025 | Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to build Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in 2025 with this comprehensive step-by-step tutorial. From setting up your development environment to implementing service workers, creating a web app manifest, and optimizing performance, this guide covers everything you need to know. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned developer, this video will help you create PWAs that are fast, reliable, and engaging. Perfect for anyone looking to stay ahead in web development!
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