manifest.json: what it is and where it comes from

The file manifest.json has become an essential component in the development of modern web applications, particularly for Progressive Web Apps (PWA) and browser extensions. This file, in JSON format, contains metadata that defines important features of the application or extension, such as the name, icons, theme, and necessary permissions. But how did we get to this point? Why is the manifest.json so crucial today? Let's explore its history and usage.

The idea of a manifest file for web applications has roots in the early 2000s, with the increasing complexity of web applications and the need to standardize a set of metadata that could be read by different browsers and platforms. However, it was with the emergence of Progressive Web Apps (PWA) that the manifest.json gained significant importance.

The concept of a manifest file was already present in browser extensions, particularly with the introduction of extensions for Google Chrome in 2008. The manifest.json file was used to specify the extension's functionalities, such as the required permissions, actions on specific web pages, and necessary resources. Over time, other browsers like Firefox, Opera, and Edge adopted a similar approach, further standardizing the use of the manifest file.

In 2015, Google introduced the concept of Progressive Web Apps, web applications that offer an experience similar to that of native mobile apps. One of the key elements of PWAs is the manifest.json, which allows the application to be installed on the user's device as if it were a regular mobile app.

This file allows developers to define the application's name, theme color, icons, splash screen, and other characteristics. Thanks to this, a PWA can appear and behave very similarly to a native application, providing a seamless transition between the web and traditional apps.

The manifest.json file is written in JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), a text format that is easily readable and manipulatable by both humans and machines. Here is a basic structure of the file:

{
  "name": "Example PWA",
  "short_name": "PWA",
  "start_url": "/index.html",
  "display": "standalone",
  "background_color": "#FFFFFF",
  "theme_color": "#000000",
  "icons": [
    {
      "src": "icon/lowres.webp",
      "sizes": "64x64",
      "type": "image/webp"
    },
    {
      "src": "icon/hd_hi.ico",
      "sizes": "128x128 256x256",
      "type": "image/x-icon"
    }
  ]
}

Each key in the file has a specific role:

• name: Full name of the application.
• short_name: Short name used in contexts where space is limited.
• start_url: The URL that will be loaded when the app is launched.
• display: How the app will be displayed (e.g., standalone for a native app-like experience).
• background_color: The background color during the app's loading.
• theme_color: The theme color of the app, visible in the toolbar.
• icons: The application's icons in various resolutions.

Today, the manifest.json file is a standard component for developing not only PWAs but also browser extensions and other web platforms. Its primary function is to ensure that web applications are easily recognizable and usable across different platforms and devices, thereby enhancing the user experience.

In the context of PWAs, the manifest.json allows browsers to know how to install the app, how it should appear on the user's home screen, and how it should behave in various situations. This makes PWAs a powerful option for developers who want to create app-like experiences without the need to develop separate native apps for iOS and Android.

For browser extensions, the manifest.json continues to play a crucial role, allowing developers to clearly define the extension's functionalities and the required permissions. This contributes to security and transparency, as users can see exactly what the extension does before installing it.

Conclusion

The manifest.json file represents an example of how web development has evolved to meet modern needs, offering a standardized and flexible way to define crucial metadata for web applications and browser extensions. Its widespread adoption has significantly contributed to the growth of Progressive Web Apps, making it easier for developers to create engaging and seamless user experiences across multiple devices and platforms.