← Graphics & Compute
Web Workers
Probing…Web Workers is a web platform capability in the Graphics & Compute category. Run scripts on background threads. Supported in Chromium 4+, Firefox 3.5+, and Safari 4+.
Try it
Loading demo…
Code
const worker = new Worker(url)
worker.onmessage = (e) => {
if (e.data.progress) setProgress(e.data.progress)
if (e.data.done) show(e.data.count)
}
worker.postMessage({ limit: 2_000_000 })
// inside the worker — heavy loop never blocks the UI:
self.onmessage = (e) => {
let count = 0
for (let n = 2; n <= e.data.limit; n++)
if (isPrime(n)) count++
self.postMessage({ done: true, count })
}Browser support
Chromium
4
Firefox
3.5
Safari
4
Frequently asked questions
Which browsers support Web Workers?
Supported in Chromium 4+, Firefox 3.5+, and Safari 4+.
Does Web Workers require HTTPS?
No. Web Workers works without a secure context, though serving your site over HTTPS is always recommended.
What is Web Workers used for?
Run scripts on background threads.
Can I try Web Workers in my browser?
Yes. shwcs.net runs a live Web Workers demo that probes your current browser and lets you try the API. Everything runs locally — nothing is sent anywhere.