Developing a Pet Finder PWA using MERN Stack

Abstract

The aim of the thesis was to focus on the development process of full-stack progressive web applications (PWAs) using JavaScript technologies. The main objective of the project was to obtain insights on progressive web apps and use the information acquired to build a functional progressive web application that provides the functionalities of a native application while taking advantage of the competency of the web. This document seeks to explain the advantages of escaping from the native application development ecosystem which is exorbitant and time-intensive.

The full-stack application was developed with the use of MERN stack which consists of MongoDB, ExpressJS, ReactJS, and NodeJS. ReactJS serves as the front-end while NodeJs and ExpressJS help the backend stay connected to the database, MongoDB. The communication between the front-end and backend occurs with the help of REST API which enables the independent development of the front-end as well as the backend features of the application. The implementation of a Manifest file and Service Workers allowed the application to be able to work offline and installed in the user’s home screen mimicking a native application.

As a result, a working PetFinder application was developed which helps the users locate the pets available nearby for adoption. The goal of the project was to help the animal rescue centers in Nepal get homeless pets out of the shelters and into loving homes.