# Tools

> A curated editorial reference of the build, package, audit, and test tooling that matters for PWAs — not a directory, marketplace, or sponsored listing.

**In one line:** This is a curated, editorial shortlist of the tools worth knowing for
building, packaging, auditing, and testing PWAs — chosen for relevance, not paid placement.
It is **not a directory, app store, or sponsored listing.**

## Build & runtime

| Tool | Role | Why it's here |
|---|---|---|
| [Workbox](https://web.dev/articles/workbox) | Service-worker library | The de-facto toolkit for caching strategies, precaching, and runtime routing. |
| [Vite PWA plugin](https://vite-pwa-org.netlify.app/) | Build integration | Zero-config manifest + Workbox for Vite-based apps. |
| Framework PWA plugins | Build integration | Next.js, Astro, Angular, and Nuxt ship or document PWA/service-worker paths. |

## Packaging for stores

| Tool | Role | Why it's here |
|---|---|---|
| [PWABuilder](https://www.pwabuilder.com/) | Packaging | Generates Microsoft Store packages and Android/iOS wrappers from a URL. |
| [Bubblewrap](https://developer.chrome.com/docs/android/bubblewrap) | Packaging (Android) | CLI that turns a PWA into a [Trusted Web Activity](/ecosystem/distribution/) for Google Play. |

## Audit & test

| Tool | Role | Why it's here |
|---|---|---|
| [Lighthouse](https://developer.chrome.com/docs/lighthouse/overview) | Audit | Installability, PWA, performance, and accessibility checks; runs in DevTools/CI. |
| Playwright / WebDriver | E2E test | Drive installed and offline flows across engines. |
| DevTools Application panel | Inspect | Manifest, service worker, storage, and cache inspection. |

## How this list is curated

- **Editorial, not commercial.** Inclusion reflects relevance and adoption, never payment.
  There are no "featured", "sponsored", or "install" placements here.
- **Capability and policy facts link out.** Where a tool's value depends on a capability
  (e.g. packaging that hinges on store acceptance), this page links to the
  [policy data](/compatibility/policy/) and [Distribution](/ecosystem/distribution/)
  rather than restating those facts.
- **Not exhaustive.** This is a decision-grade shortlist, not a registry of every tool.

← Back to the [Ecosystem](/ecosystem/) overview.