What is Server-Side Rendering?
Server-Side Rendering (SSR) is a web development technique where web pages are generated on the server rather than in the client's browser. It allows the server to create the full HTML content and send it to the client's browser, improving initial load performance and SEO capabilities.
How SSR Works
In SSR, when a user requests a page, the server processes that request, retrieves the necessary data, and constructs the entire HTML page. This page is then sent to the client, who can view the fully rendered content. This contrasts with Client-Side Rendering (CSR), where JavaScript is responsible for generating the HTML content in the user's browser.
Benefits of SSR
- Improved SEO: As search engines can easily crawl fully-rendered pages, SSR enhances visibility.
- Faster Load Times: Users receive a complete page faster, improving user experience.
- Better Performance on Low-End Devices: Renderer on the server reduces the client's workload.
Considerations
While SSR has significant advantages, it can increase server load and reduce interactivity compared to CSR. Developers often consider a hybrid approach, combining SSR and CSR to leverage the strengths of both methods.