cyclecad 3.0.0 → 3.1.0

package/docs/PWA-TUTORIAL.md

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+# cycleCAD Progressive Web App (PWA) Tutorial
+
+## Table of Contents
+1. [What is a PWA?](#what-is-a-pwa)
+2. [Why PWA for CAD?](#why-pwa-for-cad)
+3. [Installation Guide](#installation-guide)
+4. [Offline Mode](#offline-mode)
+5. [Cache Management](#cache-management)
+6. [File Handling](#file-handling)
+7. [Background Sync](#background-sync)
+8. [Storage & Quota](#storage--quota)
+9. [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
+10. [Advanced Features](#advanced-features)
+
+---
+
+## What is a PWA?
+
+A **Progressive Web App (PWA)** is a web application that uses modern web technologies to provide an app-like experience directly in your browser. PWAs combine the best of web and native apps:
+
+### Key Characteristics
+- **Installable** — Add to home screen like a native app
+- **Works Offline** — Full functionality without internet
+- **Fast** — Instant loads with service worker caching
+- **Responsive** — Works on desktop, tablet, and mobile
+- **No Installation Required** — No App Store needed
+
+### cycleCAD as a PWA
+cycleCAD is a fully-featured PWA that includes:
+- Complete 3D CAD modeling offline
+- Service worker for intelligent caching
+- File handling integration with your OS
+- Background sync for offline changes
+- Installable as a standalone app
+
+---
+
+## Why PWA for CAD?
+
+### Problem: Traditional CAD Requires Installation
+- Large download sizes (Fusion 360: 2+ GB, SolidWorks: 5+ GB)
+- System requirements and compatibility issues
+- Updates take hours
+- No cross-platform compatibility
+- Licensing tied to specific machines
+
+### Solution: cycleCAD PWA
+- **Instant Start** — Click and start designing (no install)
+- **Works Everywhere** — Windows, Mac, Linux, iPad, Android
+- **Offline-First** — No internet needed for core modeling
+- **Always Updated** — Automatic updates in background
+- **Zero Installation** — Just open in browser or add to home screen
+
+---
+
+## Installation Guide
+
+### Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)
+
+#### Chrome / Edge / Brave
+1. Go to [cyclecad.com/app](https://cyclecad.com/app)
+2. Look for the install prompt (usually top-right):
+   ```
+   [+] Install
+   ```
+3. Click "Install" or press `Ctrl+Shift+I`
+4. Choose a location (desktop or app menu)
+5. cycleCAD appears in your app drawer
+
+**After Installation:**
+- Opens in standalone window (no address bar)
+- Pinned to taskbar/dock
+- Keyboard shortcut available
+- Full offline support
+
+#### Manual Installation (All Browsers)
+If no install prompt appears:
+1. Open cycleCAD: [cyclecad.com/app](https://cyclecad.com/app)
+2. Browser menu → "Install" or "Add to home screen"
+3. Choose app name and location
+
+### Mobile (iOS, Android)
+
+#### Android
+1. Open [cyclecad.com/app](https://cyclecad.com/app) in Chrome
+2. Browser menu (⋮) → "Install app" or "Add to Home Screen"
+3. Confirm name and icon
+4. App appears on home screen
+5. Tap to open in standalone mode
+
+**On first install, you'll see:**
+```
+Storage: 500 MB available
+Offline: Full modeling support
+Auto-save: Every operation
+```
+
+#### iOS (Safari)
+1. Open [cyclecad.com/app](https://cyclecad.com/app) in Safari
+2. Share button (↑) → "Add to Home Screen"
+3. Choose name (default: "cycleCAD")
+4. Tap "Add"
+5. App appears on home screen
+
+**Note:** iOS PWA support requires:
+- iOS 11.3+ (most devices)
+- Full offline modeling support
+- Can't access iCloud Drive directly (use file picker)
+
+### Installation Permissions
+On first visit, cycleCAD requests permissions for:
+- **Service Worker** — Offline functionality and caching
+- **Storage** — Save projects and cache models
+- **Notifications** — Update alerts and sync status (optional)
+
+All requests are **optional**. The app works without them, but offline mode requires service worker and storage permissions.
+
+---
+
+## Offline Mode
+
+### What Works Offline
+cycleCAD has **full offline support** for:
+
+✓ **Modeling**
+- Create sketches and 3D features
+- Extrude, revolve, fillet, chamfer
+- Boolean operations
+- Parameters and constraints
+- Assembly mode with mates
+- Part tree and history
+
+✓ **Viewing & Navigation**
+- Rotate, pan, zoom 3D view
+- ViewCube navigation
+- Multiple preset views
+- Wireframe and shaded modes
+- Section cuts and measurements
+
+✓ **Export & File Handling**
+- Export to STL (ASCII and binary)
+- Export to OBJ and glTF
+- Export to DXF (2D drawings)
+- Sketches to PDF (drawing views)
+
+✓ **Productivity**
+- Feature tree with suppress/delete
+- Undo/redo with full history
+- Keyboard shortcuts (25+)
+- Search and filter parts
+- Parameter editing
+
+### What Requires Internet
+⚠ **Features requiring connectivity:**
+- STEP file import/export (uses cloud converter)
+- AI analysis and design review
+- Sync with cloud projects
+- Share links and collaboration
+- AI chatbot and copilot features
+- Model marketplace
+
+### Offline Workflow
+
+**Scenario 1: Design offline, sync later**
+```
+1. Go offline (airplane mode or disconnect)
+2. Create new project or open cached one
+3. Design for 2+ hours
+4. Reconnect to internet
+5. Changes auto-sync to cloud (if enabled)
+```
+
+**Scenario 2: Import STEP, then design offline**
+```
+1. Online: Import STEP file (converted on server)
+2. File is automatically cached
+3. Go offline
+4. Open cached model in viewer
+5. Make notes, measurements, markups
+6. Back online: sync annotations
+```
+
+**Scenario 3: Collaborate offline, sync together**
+```
+1. Two team members open same project
+2. Both go offline, design independently
+3. Changes stored locally
+4. Reconnect together
+5. Merge strategy: last-write-wins or manual merge
+```
+
+### Offline Indicators
+cycleCAD shows your connection status in multiple places:
+
+- **Top banner (red)** — "You are offline" when disconnected
+- **Status bar** — Connection icon in bottom-right
+- **Dialog boxes** — Operations that require internet show warning
+- **Notifications** — "Will sync when online" on each offline operation
+
+### Manual Sync
+To manually sync offline changes:
+1. Ensure internet is connected
+2. Browser detects connection automatically
+3. Sync dialog appears: "Syncing X changes..."
+4. Operations upload one-by-one with progress bar
+5. When done: "All changes synced!"
+
+---
+
+## Cache Management
+
+### What Gets Cached
+
+| Item | Cache Size | Strategy |
+|------|-----------|----------|
+| HTML/JS/CSS | 5-10 MB | Cache-first, expires monthly |
+| Models (GLB) | 100-500 MB | LRU eviction when full |
+| STEP files | 50-100 MB | Size-limited cache |
+| CDN resources | 2-5 MB | Long-lived (yearly) |
+| API responses | 1-5 MB | Network-first |
+| Projects | IndexedDB | Unlimited, user-managed |
+
+### Viewing Cache Size
+
+**In Settings:**
+1. Click Settings gear (⚙️)
+2. Scroll to "Offline & Cache" section
+3. Shows current cache size: "Cache: 245 MB"
+
+**Programmatically:**
+```javascript
+const size = await window.offlineManager.getCacheSize();
+console.log('Cache:', window.offlineManager.formatBytes(size));
+```
+
+### Clearing Cache
+
+**Option 1: Settings Panel**
+1. Settings → Offline & Cache
+2. Click "Clear Cache"
+3. Confirm dialog: "Clear all cached files?"
+4. Cache cleared immediately
+
+**Option 2: Browser DevTools**
+1. Open Chrome/Edge DevTools (`F12`)
+2. Application tab
+3. Cache Storage
+4. Delete `cyclecad-static-v3`, `cyclecad-dynamic-v3`, `cyclecad-models-v3`
+5. Reload page
+
+**Option 3: Programmatically**
+```javascript
+await window.offlineManager.clearCache();
+```
+
+### Cache Limits
+
+cycleCAD respects browser storage quotas:
+
+| Browser | Max Storage |
+|---------|------------|
+| Chrome/Edge | 50% of disk (min 100 MB) |
+| Firefox | 10% of available space |
+| Safari (desktop) | 50 MB per domain |
+| Safari (iOS) | 50 MB per app |
+
+When cache exceeds limit:
+1. Oldest cached files are deleted first (LRU)
+2. User notification: "Cache size reduced to 400 MB"
+3. Recent projects always kept
+4. Models removed by access date
+
+---
+
+## File Handling
+
+### Opening Files Directly
+
+#### From File Explorer / Finder
+1. Right-click STEP, STL, or OBJ file
+2. "Open With" → cycleCAD
+3. File opens in cycleCAD automatically
+4. If app not installed, opens web version
+
+**Supported file types:**
+- `.step`, `.stp` — STEP assemblies and parts
+- `.stl`, `.STL` — STL models
+- `.obj`, `.OBJ` — OBJ meshes
+- `.glb`, `.GLB` — glTF binaries
+- `.gltf` — glTF with separate resources
+
+#### From Drag & Drop
+1. Drag file from File Explorer onto cycleCAD window
+2. Automatically opens in import dialog
+3. Shows preview and import options
+4. Click "Import"
+
+### Sharing Files to cycleCAD
+
+#### Share from File Explorer (Windows)
+1. Right-click file
+2. "Share" → cycleCAD
+3. Opens in cycleCAD immediately
+
+#### Share from Finder (macOS)
+1. Right-click file
+2. "Share" → More...
+3. Select cycleCAD
+4. Opens in cycleCAD
+
+#### Share from Android Files App
+1. Long-press file
+2. Share → cycleCAD
+3. Opens in Android cycleCAD app
+
+### Custom URL Schemes
+
+cycleCAD supports custom URLs for deep linking:
+
+```
+web+cyclecad:project=abc123
+web+cyclecad:file=imports/bearing.step
+web+cyclecad:action=new
+web+cyclecad:action=open
+```
+
+Registration (automatic):
+1. First time visiting cyclecad.com/app
+2. Browser asks: "Allow cycleCAD to open files?"
+3. Click "Allow"
+4. Protocol registered globally
+
+---
+
+## Background Sync
+
+### What is Background Sync?
+
+When offline operations are queued and you lose internet:
+1. Changes saved locally in IndexedDB
+2. When online returns, they **automatically upload**
+3. User sees progress: "Syncing 3 changes..."
+4. No manual intervention needed
+
+### How It Works
+
+**Offline Operation:**
+```javascript
+// User: Extrude a feature while offline
+// Result: queued locally
+offlineManager.queueOperation({
+  type: 'extrude',
+  sketchId: '123',
+  depth: 25
+});
+// Shows: "Queued - will sync online"
+```
+
+**Back Online:**
+```
+1. Browser detects connection
+2. Service Worker wakes up
+3. Retrieves queued operations from IndexedDB
+4. Sends each one to server: /api/operations
+5. Removes from queue on success
+6. Shows: "Synced 3 operations"
+```
+
+### Sync Reliability
+- **Automatic retry** — Failed ops retry 3 times
+- **Persistent** — Queue survives app crash/refresh
+- **Ordered** — Operations sync in creation order
+- **Transactional** — All-or-nothing per operation
+- **Silent** — No notifications unless error or complete
+
+### Monitoring Sync
+
+**In Console:**
+```javascript
+navigator.serviceWorker.addEventListener('message', (event) => {
+  if (event.data.type === 'SYNC_COMPLETE') {
+    console.log('Sync done:', event.data);
+  }
+});
+```
+
+**In Settings:**
+1. Settings → Offline & Cache
+2. Synced operations listed with timestamps
+3. Failed operations show error details
+
+---
+
+## Storage & Quota
+
+### Understanding Storage Quota
+
+Your browser has a **limited storage budget** for all PWAs:
+
+```
+Total Available = Free Disk Space * 50% (Chrome)
+                = Device Storage * 10% (Firefox)
+                = 50 MB per domain (Safari)
+```
+
+**Example (Chrome on 500GB disk):**
+```
+Available = 500 GB * 50% = 250 GB
+cycleCAD can use up to 250 GB
+After: 200 MB used
+Remaining: 249.8 GB
+```
+
+### Checking Quota
+
+**In Browser Console:**
+```javascript
+const estimate = await navigator.storage.estimate();
+console.log('Used:', estimate.usage, 'bytes');
+console.log('Quota:', estimate.quota, 'bytes');
+console.log('Percentage:', (estimate.usage / estimate.quota * 100).toFixed(1), '%');
+```
+
+**In Settings Panel:**
+```
+Storage Status
+├─ Used: 245 MB
+├─ Quota: 250 GB
+└─ Free: 249.7 GB
+```
+
+### Persistent Storage
+
+By default, cache can be cleared by browser without notice:
+1. Browser running low on disk
+2. Browser clears caches oldest first
+3. Your projects might disappear
+
+**To Prevent Deletion:**
+1. Settings → Offline & Cache
+2. Toggle "Keep Storage" (requests persistent permission)
+3. Browser asks: "Keep data for cycleCAD?"
+4. Click "Allow"
+5. Storage is now persistent (won't auto-clear)
+
+### If Storage Full
+
+cycleCAD automatically:
+1. Removes oldest cached models (LRU)
+2. Keeps recent projects and exports
+3. Shows notification: "Cache reduced to 400 MB"
+4. User can manually delete old projects
+
+**Manual Cleanup:**
+1. Settings → Projects
+2. Hover over old project
+3. Click "Delete" (delete icon)
+4. Confirm
+5. Frees space immediately
+
+---
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### "App won't install"
+
+**Causes:**
+- Browser doesn't support PWA (old Safari)
+- HTTPS not enabled on domain
+- Manifest.json has errors
+- Service Worker failed to register
+
+**Fixes:**
+1. Try different browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
+2. Check URL starts with `https://`
+3. Press `F12`, look for red errors in Console tab
+4. Refresh page with `Ctrl+Shift+R` (hard refresh)
+5. Clear cache and cookies for site, then refresh
+
+### "No offline mode / Internet required"
+
+**Causes:**
+- Service Worker not registered
+- Service Worker failed to load
+- Browser private/incognito mode
+
+**Fixes:**
+1. Check Settings → Offline & Cache
+2. Look for "Service Worker: Ready" indicator
+3. Try non-private window
+4. In Console, check for SW errors: `[SW]` logs
+5. Refresh page: `F5` or `Ctrl+R`
+
+### "Cache stuck / won't clear"
+
+**Causes:**
+- Service Worker holding lock
+- Browser caching issue
+- IndexedDB transaction in progress
+
+**Fixes:**
+1. Close all cycleCAD tabs and windows
+2. Clear browser cache: `Ctrl+Shift+Delete`
+3. Check DevTools → Application → Clear Storage
+4. Restart browser completely
+5. Refresh cycleCAD
+
+### "Offline changes didn't sync"
+
+**Causes:**
+- Network unstable during sync
+- Operation failed validation
+- Cloud project locked by another user
+
+**Fixes:**
+1. Go back online and check connection
+2. Settings → Offline & Cache → Sync Now
+3. Check notification for errors
+4. Refresh page: `F5`
+5. Manually re-do operation if needed
+
+### "Takes forever to load"
+
+**Causes:**
+- Large model cached
+- Service Worker updating cache
+- Network slow for first visit
+
+**Fixes:**
+1. Wait 10 seconds (cache building)
+2. Hard refresh: `Ctrl+Shift+R`
+3. Clear cache and reload
+4. Switch to better WiFi
+5. Download should finish in <30 seconds
+
+### "App keeps asking for permissions"
+
+**Causes:**
+- Browser blocking storage
+- Service Worker permissions denied
+- Private browsing mode
+
+**Fixes:**
+1. Check browser settings → Privacy
+2. Whitelist cyclecad.com:
+   - Chrome: Settings → Privacy → Site Settings → Storage
+   - Firefox: Privacy → Permissions → Storage
+3. Exit private browsing mode
+4. Disable VPN/proxy temporarily
+
+---
+
+## Advanced Features
+
+### Custom Service Worker Events
+
+Listen for service worker messages in your app:
+
+```javascript
+navigator.serviceWorker.addEventListener('message', (event) => {
+  const { type, message } = event.data;
+
+  if (type === 'UPDATE_AVAILABLE') {
+    // New version available
+    console.log(message); // "A new version..."
+    // Show update prompt to user
+  }
+
+  if (type === 'SYNC_COMPLETE') {
+    // Background sync finished
+    console.log(message); // "All changes synced!"
+    // Refresh UI from server
+  }
+
+  if (type === 'CACHE_CLEARED') {
+    // Cache was cleared
+    console.log(message);
+  }
+});
+```
+
+### Caching Strategies
+
+cycleCAD uses 4 different caching strategies:
+
+1. **Cache-First** (Static Assets)
+   - Check cache first
+   - If missing, fetch from network
+   - Update cache in background
+   - Best for: HTML, JS, CSS, fonts
+
+2. **Network-First** (API Calls)
+   - Try network first
+   - If fails, fallback to cache
+   - Keep cache fresh always
+   - Best for: API responses, data
+
+3. **Stale-While-Revalidate** (CDN)
+   - Return cache immediately
+   - Update cache in background
+   - User sees instant + refreshes
+   - Best for: Third-party libraries
+
+4. **Cache-Only** (Offline Files)
+   - Use cache or fail
+   - No network requests
+   - Best for: Emergency fallbacks
+
+### Programmatic Access
+
+Control PWA features from JavaScript:
+
+```javascript
+// Get offline manager instance
+const om = window.offlineManager;
+
+// Check online status
+if (om.isOnline) {
+  console.log('Connected!');
+} else {
+  console.log('Offline mode');
+}
+
+// Queue operation
+await om.queueOperation({
+  type: 'extrude',
+  depth: 25
+});
+
+// Manual sync
+await om.syncOperations();
+
+// Cache size
+const bytes = await om.getCacheSize();
+const mb = om.formatBytes(bytes);
+console.log('Cache:', mb);
+
+// Clear cache
+await om.clearCache();
+```
+
+### Performance Monitoring
+
+Monitor PWA performance:
+
+```javascript
+// Check service worker status
+navigator.serviceWorker.getRegistration('/app/').then((reg) => {
+  console.log('SW Active:', reg.active ? 'Yes' : 'No');
+  console.log('SW Updates:', reg.installing ? 'Pending' : 'None');
+});
+
+// Check storage quota
+navigator.storage.estimate().then((est) => {
+  console.log('Using:', (est.usage / 1024 / 1024).toFixed(1), 'MB');
+  console.log('Quota:', (est.quota / 1024 / 1024).toFixed(1), 'MB');
+});
+
+// Check cache size
+navigator.storage.getDirectory().then((root) => {
+  // Iterate through cache storage
+});
+```
+
+---
+
+## Best Practices
+
+### For Optimal Offline Experience
+
+1. **Install the App**
+   - Use standalone mode for best experience
+   - Pinned to dock/taskbar for quick access
+
+2. **Manage Cache**
+   - Regularly check cache size in Settings
+   - Delete old projects you don't need
+   - Keep cache under 1 GB for best performance
+
+3. **Network-Aware Design**
+   - Plan offline work before going offline
+   - Test with offline mode enabled
+   - Understand which features need internet
+
+4. **Update Regularly**
+   - Accept update prompts when offered
+   - Automatic in background, doesn't interrupt
+   - Keeps security and features current
+
+5. **Backup Important Work**
+   - Export projects to files regularly
+   - Cloud save for critical designs
+   - Multiple local copies
+
+### For Teams
+
+1. **Collaboration**
+   - Work offline, sync later together
+   - Merge changes with conflict resolution
+   - Track who made which changes
+
+2. **File Sharing**
+   - Use share target to open files directly
+   - Team folder in cloud auto-syncs
+   - Version history for tracking
+
+3. **Large Assemblies**
+   - Cache key models before offline
+   - Use viewer mode for lightweight viewing
+   - Split large designs into sub-assemblies
+
+---
+
+## Getting Help
+
+### Documentation
+- Full API: [docs.cyclecad.com](https://docs.cyclecad.com)
+- User manual: [cyclecad.com/docs/manual.html](https://cyclecad.com/docs/manual.html)
+
+### Support
+- GitHub Issues: [github.com/vvlars-cmd/cyclecad/issues](https://github.com/vvlars-cmd/cyclecad/issues)
+- Email: hello@cyclecad.com
+- Discord: [discord.gg/cyclecad](https://discord.gg/cyclecad)
+
+### Reporting Bugs
+When reporting PWA issues, include:
+- Browser and version
+- Device (desktop/mobile)
+- Online/offline status
+- Steps to reproduce
+- Console errors (`F12` → Console tab)
+
+---
+
+## Appendix: Browser Compatibility
+
+| Browser | Desktop | Mobile | PWA Support |
+|---------|---------|--------|------------|
+| Chrome | ✓ | ✓ | Full |
+| Edge | ✓ | ✓ | Full |
+| Firefox | ✓ | ✓ | Partial* |
+| Safari | ✓ | ✓ | Partial* |
+| Opera | ✓ | ✓ | Full |
+
+\* = Limited offline or file handling support
+
+### Minimum Requirements
+- HTTPS enabled
+- Service Worker support
+- IndexedDB (5MB+ quota)
+- 100MB+ available disk space
+
+---
+
+**Last Updated:** 2026-03-31
+**Version:** 3.0.0
+**License:** MIT