Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are changing the way websites work. They combine the most useful features of web and mobile apps, offering fast performance, offline access, and smooth user experiences. Many businesses use PWAs to improve engagement and reach more users.
One way to make PWAs even better is by using Server-Side Rendering (SSR). This method helps load web pages faster, making them more SEO-friendly and improving user experience.
For developers who want to build PWAs with SSR, a full stack developer course teaches the right skills. Understanding both front-end and back-end technologies is important for creating high-performance web apps.
What is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?
It is a website that looks and acts like a mobile app. PWAs can work offline, send push notifications, and load quickly, even on slow networks.
Some well-known companies use PWAs, including:
- Starbucks
- Uber
These companies use PWAs because they improve speed and user engagement.
Features of PWAs
- Works Offline – PWAs store data in the browser so users can access content without an internet connection.
- Fast Loading – Even on slow networks, PWAs load quickly using cached data.
- Responsive Design – PWAs work on any device, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
- App-Like Feel – PWAs offer a smooth, app-like experience with animations and gestures.
- Push Notifications – Websites can send updates and alerts to users, similar to mobile apps.
- Secure – PWAs use HTTPS for secure data transfer.
A course in Pune teaches how to build PWAs from scratch, including features like offline support and notifications.
What is Server-Side Rendering (SSR)?
Server-Side Rendering (SSR) is a method where a web page is generated on the server before being transmitted to the browser. This indicates that when a user visits a website, they receive a fully loaded page instead of waiting for the browser to fetch and process data.
Why Use SSR for PWAs?
- Faster Initial Page Load – The server sends a ready-to-display page, reducing waiting time.
- Better SEO – Search engines can read SSR pages easily, improving rankings.
- Improved Performance – SSR reduces the work the browser has to do, making websites faster.
- Works on Low-Powered Devices – Since the server handles rendering, users with slow devices can still enjoy a smooth experience.
By combining PWAs and SSR, developers can create web apps that are both fast and interactive. A developer course covers these technologies and teaches how to implement them effectively.
Technologies Used in PWAs with SSR
To develop a PWA with SSR, developers use different technologies for front-end and back-end development.
1. Front-End Technologies
The front-end (what users see) of a PWA is built using modern JavaScript frameworks like:
- React.js – A popular library that allows developers to create fast, interactive UI components.
- Next.js – A framework built on React that makes SSR easier.
- Vue.js – Another JavaScript framework that supports SSR.
2. Back-End Technologies
The back-end (where data is stored and processed) includes:
- Node.js – A JavaScript runtime for building scalable web applications.
- Express.js – A lightweight framework for managing server-side logic.
- Django – A Python framework that supports SSR in web applications.
3. Service Workers
These are the scripts that run in the background and handle caching, push notifications, and offline functionality in PWAs.
4. API and Database Technologies
- GraphQL – A flexible query language for APIs.
- MongoDB – A NoSQL database for storing PWA data.
- PostgreSQL – A structured database for reliable data storage.
A course in Pune teaches how to use these technologies together to create powerful web apps.
How to Build a PWA with Server-Side Rendering
Developing a PWA with SSR involves several steps:
Step 1: Set Up the Project
Choose a JavaScript framework like Next.js (for React) or Nuxt.js (for Vue). These frameworks support SSR and make development easier.
Example of setting up a Next.js project:
npx create-next-app my-pwa
cd my-pwa
npm install
Step 2: Configure Server-Side Rendering
In a Next.js app, SSR can be enabled using the getServerSideProps function.
Example:
export async function getServerSideProps() {
const res = await fetch(‘https://api.example.com/data’);
const data = await res.json();
return { props: { data } };
}
export default function HomePage({ data }) {
return (
<div>
<h1>Server-Side Rendered Page</h1>
<p>{data.message}</p>
</div>
);
}
Step 3: Add PWA Features
PWAs need a manifest file and service workers to enable offline support and caching.
Manifest file (public/manifest.json):
{
“name”: “My PWA”,
“short_name”: “PWA”,
“start_url”: “/”,
“display”: “standalone”,
“background_color”: “#ffffff”,
“theme_color”: “#000000”,
“icons”: [
{
“src”: “/icon.png”,
“sizes”: “192×192”,
“type”: “image/png”
}
]
}
Step 4: Register a Service Worker
A service worker allows PWAs to cache content and work offline.
Example:
if (‘serviceWorker’ in navigator) {
window.addEventListener(‘load’, () => {
navigator.serviceWorker.register(‘/service-worker.js’)
.then(() => console.log(‘Service Worker Registered’));
});
}
Step 5: Optimize Performance
To make the PWA faster:
- Use lazy loading for images and scripts.
- Minimize CSS and JavaScript files.
- Implement caching for static assets.
Step 6: Deploy the PWA
PWAs can be deployed on platforms like:
- Vercel (for Next.js apps)
- Netlify
- Firebase Hosting
A developer course covers deployment techniques to make sure the app runs smoothly.
Challenges in PWA Development with SSR
While PWAs and SSR offer many benefits, they also come with challenges:
- Complex Setup – Combining PWA and SSR requires extra configuration.
- Increased Server Load – SSR shifts work from the client to the server, which can increase server costs.
- Caching Issues – Keeping the cached data updated can be tricky.
- Limited Browser Support – Some PWA features may not work in all browsers.
A full stack course in Pune helps developers learn best practices to handle these challenges effectively.
Final Thoughts
PWAs with Server-Side Rendering (SSR) provide a powerful way to build fast, user-friendly web applications. By combining the benefits of PWAs (offline access, push notifications, and responsiveness) with the advantages of SSR (fast page loads, SEO optimisation), developers can create high-performance applications.
For those looking to develop such applications, a developer course offers training in JavaScript frameworks, back-end development, caching, and deployment.
A full stack course helps developers master these skills, allowing them to build modern web applications that are both fast and scalable.
Business Name: Full Stack Developer Course In Pune
Address: Office no 09, UG Floor, East Court, Phoenix Market City, Clover Park, Viman Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411014
Phone Number: 09513260566
Email Id: fullstackdeveloperclasses@gmail.com
