Installable Web Application Execution via Local Manifest Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional web browsers execute web applications by accessing remote servers, which can be inefficient and require continuous internet connectivity, lacking the ability to execute web applications in offline mode without substantial alteration or installation on the user's local device.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for executing web applications by packaging them as installable entities with a manifest, allowing local storage and management by the web browser, enabling execution and access to web application components stored locally on the device, with optional remote data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If web applications are executed by accessing remote servers through traditional web browsers, then internet connectivity and remote server access are required, but this reduces execution efficiency and requires continuous network dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The web application package is prepared in advance with all necessary components (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, assets) bundled together. The manifest file is created beforehand to describe the application structure, permissions, and configuration. This preliminary packaging enables the application to be installed and executed offline without requiring remote server access during runtime.
2Ease of operation
If web applications are packaged as installable entities with local storage, then offline execution is enabled, but this increases the complexity of installation and management
Solution Approach 1:
The manifest file serves multiple functions: it describes the application structure, declares required permissions, specifies installation parameters, and provides configuration information. This single universal file handles various aspects of application packaging and installation, simplifying the overall process despite the added functionality of offline execution.
3Productivity
If web browsers manage local execution of packaged applications, then execution efficiency improves, but this requires enhanced browser functionality and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The manifest file acts as an intermediary between the packaged web application and the web browser. It provides the browser with structured information about how to install, execute, and manage the application locally. This intermediary mechanism enables efficient local execution while maintaining a clear interface between the application package and browser management system.
4Loss of energy
If local storage is used for web application components, then network communication needs are reduced, but this requires additional local memory and storage resources
Solution Approach 1:
The essential components of the web application (HTML files, CSS styles, JavaScript code, images, and other assets) are extracted from the remote server and packaged locally. This extraction eliminates the need for continuous network communication during execution, as all necessary resources are available in the local package. The manifest file specifies which components are included in the local package.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one general aspect, a method of executing a web application installed on an apparatus may include executing, via a processor included by the apparatus, a web browser. The method may include loading, via the web browser, the web application. In some embodiments, the web application may include a manifest and at least a portion of a web site and wherein the web application was packaged as an installable entity. The method may further include managing, by the web browser, the execution of the web application. The method may include accessing, via the web browser, from a local storage medium one or more portions of the web site included by the web application. In some embodiments, the one or more portions of the web site may have been stored in the local storage medium when the web application was installed.