Overview
Service Workers are a core technology behind Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). They act as a proxy between the web application, the browser, and the network, allowing for powerful features like offline support and background synchronization.
Key Capabilities
- Caching: Intercept network requests and serve cached responses for offline use.
- Push Notifications: Receive and display notifications even when the app is closed.
- Background Sync: Defer actions until the user has a stable internet connection.
- Security: Must run over HTTPS to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
Lifecycle
Service workers have a distinct lifecycle: Registration, Installation, and Activation.