How do service workers improve performance?

What are service workers and how do they work?

Service workers are scripts that run in the background of your browser, separate from web pages. They enable features like caching, background sync, and push notifications, improving performance and user experience.

How do they specifically improve performance?

Service workers improve performance by caching resources, allowing for faster load times and offline access. They intercept network requests and serve cached content, reducing server load and latency.

Can you give an example of how a service worker might be used?

Sure! For instance, a service worker can cache images and stylesheets when a user first visits a site. On subsequent visits, these resources can be loaded from the cache instead of fetching them from the server, resulting in quicker page loads.

Are there any downsides to using service workers?

Yes, while service workers offer many benefits, they can add complexity to your application. If not managed properly, they can lead to stale content being served or issues with caching strategies.