Learn how working skillfully with SPA, SSR and SSG enables you to take web performance and UX of your site to the highest levels.
Sick of web pages that make you yawn while waiting for them to load?
In this article we will unveil the technologies that enable the experience of browsing and interacting with web applications to be truly phenomenal!
SPA, SSG and SSR are here to vitalize your web browsing through the use of JavaScript and frameworks such as React or Vue.js, which handle DOM manipulation and UI component updates automatically and efficiently.
What is Single Page Applications (SPA)?
Single Page Applications (SPAs) are the rockstars of web applications: they load the page only once at the beginning and then change the content dynamically without reloading. In a SPA, the initial page load is the only time when downloading of code and essential resources takes place. Thereafter, all user interaction with the application occurs within the same page. This is made possible through the use of technologies such as JavaScript, AJAX and Web APIs. In this way, SPAs offer a more responsive and interactive user experience, similar to that of a native application.
Like a magician who with a touch of his wand makes new content appear to you without interruption. Wow, what magic!
What is Server Side Rendering (SSR)?
Server Side Rendering (SSR) is like a digital wizard turning blank pages into complete works of art! SSR is a technology that generates the HTML markup on the server-side page and then sends it to the user's browser when browsing the site.
The initial loading time is generally faster than an SPA, particularly on slower Internet connections or less powerful devices.
However, SSR implementation may require more server resources and may be more complex.
The server then works behind the scenes to create an entire ready-to-use page and delivers it to you on a silver platter, ready to be displayed.
Why is SSG so important for the web experience?
The Static Site Generation (SSG), the miracle of the modern era that takes us back in time, when the web was still young and carefree! Yes, because with SSG, we go back to the era of static pages and sites that seemed to stand still in the past. This technology allows all HTML pages to be pre-generated at compile time rather than at the time of the user's request (as is the case with Server-Side Rendering) or by running client-side scripts (as in Single Page Applications).
This means that when a user visits the site, the server sends static HTML pages directly, without having to perform any rendering logic or database queries at the time of the request. Once generated, the pages remain static until the next compilation phase, unless manually modified or updated by the developers. This approach is particularly suitable for Web sites with stable content that do not require frequent updates or complex dynamic interactions.
It is generally a little slower at first but then it is like having an enchanted box that makes everything you need appear immediately as if by magic.
Which technology to choose to ensure an optimal web experience?
- SPA: Improved User Experience and Navigation. Smooth transitions, dynamic effects, and updating web page content via JavaScript help provide a seamless navigation quality on par with a native application. But it is not the best for SEO because search engines detect only one page and on first viewing it takes a little longer to load the whole system.
- SSR: Better SEO indexing and dynamic pages. Search engines prefer HTML content because they are able to index it more easily than JavaScript code. In addition, even if the page changes often any content changes are made available immediately because they are rendered at the time.
- SSG: Record-breaking speed and energy savings. With the use of SSG, websites achieve stellar speeds because the pages are all generated in advance, there is no need to perform complex processing in real time, and the environment thanks you, but it is not the best choice if you have a lot of content that you edit often.
In conclusion, the evolution of the web has given us SPA, SSR, and SSG-the incredible trio of technologies that makes web developers divided over which one is best!
In short, each has its place in the hearts of developers and companies seeking to deliver unique user experiences. So, let's not take ourselves too seriously when it comes to SPA, SSR, and SSG. In the end, finding the right fit among these technologies is crucial to a website's success and relevance in today's digital ecosystem. The web has become a highly competitive environment, and websites that want to stand out must aim to offer a balanced combination of performance, user experience, and SEO.
Want to create a digital work of art that leaves your audience speechless, too? Take your creativity to the pinnacle and let the online world be your stage to express your vision.
Get ready to amaze, excite, and leave an indelible digital footprint.
