Question 1

How do I implement a basic service worker for caching static assets?

Accepted Answer

Register the service worker in your main JS file, then in the worker, listen to the 'install' event to cache files using Cache API, and handle 'fetch' events to serve cached responses. Start with simple strategies like cache-first for offline support.

Question 2

Service worker or HTTP cache: when should I use which?

Accepted Answer

Use service workers for fine-grained control over caching, offline functionality, and dynamic content, while HTTP cache is better for simple, browser-managed static asset caching without JavaScript overhead. Service workers complement but don't replace HTTP cache.

Question 3

Can service workers work on a site without HTTPS?

Accepted Answer

No, service workers require a secure context (HTTPS) except for localhost, due to browser security policies that prevent network interception risks. This limits deployment to HTTP-only environments.

Question 4

What browsers fully support service workers?

Accepted Answer

Most modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari support core service worker features, but check specific API compatibility on MDN, as some advanced aspects might vary, especially in older versions.

Question 5

How do I debug common service worker issues in development?

Accepted Answer

Use browser dev tools like Chrome's Application tab to inspect cache storage, view worker status, and simulate offline mode. Pay attention to lifecycle events and use console logging to trace fetch interception problems.

Question 6

What's the best way to update a service worker without breaking the app?

Accepted Answer

Version your cache names, use the 'activate' event to clean up old caches, and consider controlled rollout with skipWaiting() cautiously. Test updates thoroughly to avoid serving stale content during transitions.

Service workers explained

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