Which is better to make a web application offline -application cache or service worker?

Question

I want to make my web application available even if network is not preset or when user is offline.

I searched about this and find two solution: 1) use Application cache 2) use Service worker

As service worker is in developing state and not supported by all browser so can not find this is a feasible according to my requirements.

On the other hand, application cache is about to deprecated(MDN site) from most of browser(still supporting in many browsers), I can not go with this solution too.

Please give some suggestion or correct me if I am wrong on above points.

Thanks in advance.

This book https://www.manning.com/books/progressive-web-apps recommends service workers. — Askar, May 08 '17 at 06:26
@oscar but service worker isn't supported by safari and IE browser. — Shikha, May 08 '17 at 08:22

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered May 08 '17 at 20:05

Your arguring is correct. Currently service workers are not supported by all browser and I doesn't look like Safari will support it in the near future, but at least it appears on their five year plan.

You can still use application cache, even if it doesn't have all the features sw brings and even if it will be deprecated. It is possible to have a sw / application cache mix on your site.

You have to compare the benefits against the work/money you want to put in your site to make it work offline. If you have an existing site you can check your browser stats and then make a decision.

I am also thinking to use mix of both. Thanks. – Shikha May 09 '17 at 04:23 — Shikha, May 09 '17 at 04:23

Which is better to make a web application offline -application cache or service worker?

1 Answers1