In the context of React development, there are specific frameworks and technologies that developers prefer utilizing. For example, maximum React developers utilize CRA (create-react-app) or React CLI tool chains due to their superior qualities. However, this has particular drawbacks for the users, as they cannot see the webpage source details when the web app is initialized via CRA. It works in a client-side rendering style.
If you want server-side rendering instead, hire react developers from bosctechlabs.com for high-quality professional guidance and development-centric support. They have trained in handling server-side rendering for React and know the pros and cons of the action and related technical details. Learn all about them here.
What is server-side rendering?
Server-side rendering or SSR is a rendering approach for single-page applications (SPA’s) on the client-side of the server first. Then, it involves sending the completely rendered webpage back to the client. Therefore, dynamic components serve in static HTML markup format.
How does it differ from client-side rendering?
Specifically, the SSR approach involves rendering available React components for a project via the server. Therefore, the output here is HTML-based. On the other hand, the browser gets a minimalist HTML page during client-side rendering. Moreover, it can render React components and add the leftover content within.
Notably, developers can combine both to develop isomorphic apps.
Server-side Rendering in React- Advantages and Disadvantages
There are specific advantages to using the SSR approach for React-based development and particular disadvantages. Before you hire React developers from BOSC Tech Labs to handle these complex steps, you should know the pros/cons involved.
Pros
- SSR works when downloading large-scale JavaScript bundles become difficult.
- The initial load time during server-side rendering is relatively low. So, users can avoid operating with loaders or spinners during the initial load period. This is not available under client-side rendering and is relatively better for improving user experience with the app performance.
- Server-side rendering enhances website SEO since the search engine bots can crawl through JavaScript-based web app pages without any restrictions.
- Users of the server-side rendering for React development get detailed snippets and featured images while sharing the page content via social media platforms.
Cons
- While using SSR for React development, the process does affect the app’s performance rates. However, this applies to smaller apps only; the performance quality gets worse when used for developing more feature-rich apps.
- The response time is not always quick, especially if the used servers are under use.
- The page load time can increase due to a higher response size.
- The apps that are developed with SSR have a more complex structure.
Pre-requisites to consider
Before beginning this process, the developers must know Node.js as well and have it locally installed.
Process of enabling server-side rendering for React app development
The process of server-side rendering for React-based app developers covers multiple steps. In general, the sequence of production involves 5 phases.
- React app development
- Component-based modifications
- Express server development
- Rendering all app-based components
- Configuring npm, webpack, and Babel Scripts
The rendering process involves four specific factors- React developers handle these steps carefully.
- Preparing new Redux Store related to all requests.
- Optional dispatch of specific actions.
- Remove state from Store and handle SSR.
- Send the obtained state from the previous stage to the client-side with a response.
Set up of app
Developers use specific shells and a coding editor to prepare the new folder for the application. They add the necessary content and create the “package.json”. Then, they copy all scripts and dependencies available. One must run “npm install” to install their dependencies.
Additionally, the configuration of webpack/Babel is important to allow the generated script to operate. Babel is responsible for converting React and ESM into Node and code that the browser understands. Prepare a new “.babelrc” file and add the dependencies and webpack bundles to it.
What is the importance of compiling source codes?
The syntax available between CommonJS and ESM is not similar. For Redux and React-based coding, developers do a lot of importing and exporting actions to their files. These are not operable via Node; therefore, using Babel scripts is effective here to make the syntax Node-friendly.
Copy the static and precoded files
Developers copy the static files and precoded files that are available. If the repository cloning process is already complete, it is suitable to copy from that. Alternatively, one can get the SSR-static.zip file from another source. After this, extraction takes place, and one can keep their files in three folders within the app directory. Typically, these include:
- Folder “src/components” contains React components and React “App” codes.
- The “assets/ & media/:” have images and static files like “style.css” available.
- Folder “src/redux/” holds Redux files.
Conclusion
It is possible to use server-side rendering for creating React-based apps, mainly for small-scale applications. There are many benefits to using this approach in terms of performance quality improvement and SEO-based programming. However, for the best results, take proper help from qualified developers, like those at BOSC Tech Labs, for the steps. This will help you avoid complexities.
