Server-side rendering

What is Server-Side Rendering?

Server-side rendering (SSR) is a technique in which a web page is generated at the server level rather than at the client level (the browser). This contrasts with client-side rendering, where the page is generated by JavaScript code that runs in the user's browser.

With SSR, the page can be displayed immediately when a user requests the URL, without the need for JavaScript to be executed first. This can improve page load speed, particularly on devices with less processing power.

SSR is also beneficial for search engine optimization (SEO), as it allows search engines to index the content of a page without having to execute JavaScript.

There are various frameworks and libraries available for implementing SSR, such as Next.js for React, Nuxt.js for Vue.js, and Angular Universal for Angular.

Why server-side rendering is better than client-side rendering?

Server-side rendering can be better than client-side rendering for several reasons:

• SEO Enhancement: SSR sends a fully rendered page to the client, which means search engines can crawl the site content more efficiently. This is crucial for SEO because it helps in indexing the content faster and more accurately.
• Performance: SSR can deliver pages faster to the client, especially on the first load, as the content does not need to be rendered in the browser using JavaScript. This improves the perceived performance from the user's perspective.
• Consistent Rendering: Since the page is rendered on the server, it ensures that all users, regardless of their device capabilities or JavaScript settings, receive the same content.

Do I really need server-side rendering?

The necessity of SSR depends on the specific needs of your project:

• If SEO is a priority, SSR can provide better search engine visibility.
• If your audience uses devices with slower processing power, SSR can deliver a faster user experience.
• For web apps that change dynamically and don't require SEO, such as internal dashboards, SSR may not be necessary.

What is the difference between API and server-side rendering?

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of protocols and tools for building software applications, which allows different software systems to communicate. Server-side rendering, on the other hand, is a method for displaying web pages from the server to the client. While APIs can be used to fetch data that can then be rendered on the server, SSR specifically refers to the process of generating the full HTML for a webpage on the server before sending it to the client.

Is SSR faster than CSR?

SSR can be faster than CSR (Client-Side Rendering) for the initial page load because the server sends a fully rendered page to the client, so the content is visible immediately. However, for subsequent page interactions, CSR can be faster as it only needs to update the changed parts of the page without a full round trip to the server.

Is SSR safer than CSR?

SSR is considered safer in some respects because it reduces the client's exposure to certain types of attacks, such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). Since the page is pre-rendered on the server, there is less opportunity for malicious code to be injected and executed in the user's browser.

When should I use SSR and CSR?

• Use SSR when you need your pages to be indexed effectively by search engines, when you want to improve the initial load time for your users, and when you are looking to provide content to users with slower internet connections or devices.
• Use CSR when your application requires a dynamic, interactive user experience where the state changes frequently without needing to reload the entire page. CSR is suited for web applications that rely heavily on user interaction, such as single-page applications (SPAs), where the speed and smoothness of user interactions are paramount.