ReactJS server-side rendering vs client-side rendering

ReactJS Server-Side Rendering vs Client-Side Rendering

ReactJS has gained immense popularity in the web development community due to its ability to create interactive and dynamic user interfaces. One of the key decisions developers have to make when using ReactJS is whether to use server-side rendering (SSR) or client-side rendering (CSR). In this article, we will explore the differences between SSR and CSR and discuss when to use each approach.

Server-Side Rendering (SSR)

Server-side rendering involves rendering React components on the server and sending the pre-rendered HTML to the client. This means that when a user requests a page, the server sends back a fully rendered HTML document that can be displayed immediately. The browser then hydrates the HTML with JavaScript to make the page interactive.

SSR offers several advantages:

Improved SEO: Search engines can easily crawl and index the pre-rendered HTML, leading to better search engine optimization.
Faster initial page load: Users can see the content faster as the pre-rendered HTML is sent from the server.
Better performance on low-end devices: Devices with limited processing power can benefit from the server-side rendering approach as the heavy lifting is done on the server.

To implement SSR in ReactJS, you can use libraries like Next.js or Gatsby.js. Here’s an example of server-side rendering using Next.js:


import React from 'react';
import ReactDOMServer from 'react-dom/server';

function App() {
  return (
    
      Hello, Server-Side Rendering!
    
  );
}

const html = ReactDOMServer.renderToString();
console.log(html);

Client-Side Rendering (CSR)

Client-side rendering, on the other hand, involves rendering React components on the client-side using JavaScript. The initial HTML sent from the server is a minimal shell that includes the necessary JavaScript and CSS files. The browser then downloads and executes the JavaScript, which renders the components and makes the page interactive.

CSR has its own advantages:

Improved interactivity: CSR allows for more dynamic and interactive user interfaces as the rendering and updates happen on the client-side.
Reduced server load: The server only needs to send minimal HTML, resulting in reduced server load and bandwidth usage.
Flexibility: CSR allows for easier integration with third-party APIs and services, as the rendering is done on the client-side.

To implement CSR in ReactJS, you can use tools like Create React App or Next.js with client-side rendering enabled. Here’s an example of client-side rendering using Create React App:


import React from 'react';
import ReactDOM from 'react-dom';

function App() {
  return (
    
      Hello, Client-Side Rendering!
    
  );
}

ReactDOM.render(, document.getElementById('root'));

When to Use SSR or CSR?

The choice between SSR and CSR depends on the specific requirements of your project. Here are some considerations:

Use SSR if you have content that needs to be indexed by search engines, require faster initial page load, or target low-end devices.
Use CSR if you have a highly interactive application, rely heavily on third-party APIs, or prioritize flexibility over initial load time.

It’s worth noting that you can also combine SSR and CSR in a hybrid approach, where some parts of your application are rendered on the server while others are rendered on the client-side.

Ultimately, the choice between SSR and CSR depends on the specific needs of your project and the trade-offs you are willing to make. Both approaches have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to carefully evaluate your requirements before making a decision.

ReactJS server-side rendering vs client-side rendering