PWA Bundle

Transform your Symfony application into a Progressive Web App

PWA Logo

Welcome! 👋

This bundle enables you to transform your Symfony application into a Progressive Web App (PWA) with minimal configuration. Whether you're new to PWAs or looking to enhance your existing Symfony app, you're in the right place.

What is a Progressive Web App?

A Progressive Web App combines the best of web and mobile applications. It's a web application that behaves like a native mobile app while remaining accessible through a standard web browser.

Think of PWAs as websites that can:

  • Be installed on devices like regular apps

  • Work offline or with poor network conditions

  • Send push notifications to users

  • Access device features (camera, geolocation, etc.)

  • Load instantly, even on slow networks

Why Choose PWAs?

Development Benefits

Single Codebase

  • Write once, deploy everywhere (iOS, Android, desktop, web)

  • Lower development and maintenance costs compared to native apps

  • No need to learn platform-specific languages (Swift, Kotlin, etc.)

Independent Distribution

  • Deploy directly to your web server

  • No app store approval process or fees

  • Update your app anytime without waiting for reviews

  • Complete control over your release schedule

User Experience Benefits

App-Like Experience

  • Install from browser with one click

  • Launch from home screen or app menu

  • Fullscreen mode without browser UI

  • Smooth animations and responsive interactions

Always Available

  • Function offline or with poor connectivity

  • Fast loading times with intelligent caching

  • Automatic background updates

  • Access to content even without internet

Rich Engagement

  • Push notifications keep users informed

  • Home screen icon for easy access

  • Badge notifications for unread content

  • Background synchronization when connectivity returns

Business Benefits

Better Discoverability

  • Fully indexed by search engines (SEO)

  • Shareable via simple URL

  • No installation barrier for first-time visitors

  • Gradual feature adoption based on user engagement

Performance & Reliability

  • Faster than traditional websites

  • Resilient to network failures

  • Reduced server load with caching

  • Lower bandwidth consumption for users

What Does This Bundle Do?

This Symfony bundle handles all the technical complexity of creating a PWA for you:

Automatic Manifest Generation

  • Creates and serves the Web App Manifest (JSON file)

  • Manages app metadata (name, icons, theme colors, etc.)

  • Handles multi-language support

  • Configures installation behavior

Service Worker Management

  • Generates and compiles the service worker script

  • Integrates Google Workbox for advanced caching strategies

  • Manages offline fallbacks and resource caching

  • Handles background synchronization

Asset Optimization

  • Generates favicons and app icons automatically

  • Creates startup images for iOS

  • Optimizes screenshots for app stores

  • Manages cache versioning and updates

Symfony UX Integration

  • Provides ready-to-use Stimulus controllers for PWA features

  • Easy integration with Symfony Live Components

  • Access to device APIs (geolocation, camera, notifications, etc.)

  • Pre-built components for common PWA patterns

Developer Tools

  • Debug toolbar integration for manifest inspection

  • Service worker debugging support

  • Event system for customization

  • PSR-3 logging for troubleshooting

Quick Start

Get your PWA up and running in minutes:

# Install the bundle
composer require spomky-labs/pwa-bundle

# Add one line to your base template
{{ pwa() }}

# Configure your app
# Edit config/packages/pwa.yaml

That's it! Your Symfony application is now a Progressive Web App.

Real-World Use Cases

PWAs built with Symfony are perfect for:

E-Commerce & Retail

  • Offline product browsing

  • Shopping cart persistence

  • Order status notifications

  • Quick reordering from home screen

Content & Media

  • Offline article reading

  • Background content sync

  • Push notification for new content

  • Media file caching

Business Applications

  • CRM and sales tools

  • Field service apps

  • Inventory management

  • Expense reporting

Social & Community

  • Social networks

  • Forum and discussion platforms

  • Event management

  • Real-time messaging

Productivity Tools

  • Todo lists and task managers

  • Note-taking applications

  • Time tracking

  • Document editors

Next Steps

Ready to transform your Symfony app into a PWA?

  1. Install the bundle - Get started in minutes

  2. Learn PWA concepts - Understand the fundamentals

  3. Configure the manifest - Customize your app

  4. Set up the service worker - Enable offline mode

  5. Add UX components - Enhance user experience

NextHow To Create A PWA?

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