SSR vs. CSR vs. ISR vs. SSG

Rendering strategies are important in shaping user experiences in web development. In this Answer, we will explore four prominent rendering approaches: client-side rendering (CSR), server-side rendering (SSR), static site generation (SSG), and incremental static regeneration (ISR).

Client-side rendering (CSR)

Client-side rendering involves rendering content on the client’s browser using JavaScript. This approach enhances interactivity and reduces server load, as the server primarily serves raw data. In this approach, the web browser initially loads a basic HTML file with minimal content. JavaScript and styles, which are loaded later, are responsible for rendering the full user-friendly page in the web browser.

How does CSR work?

Upon loading a page, the client’s browser retrieves minimal HTML and JavaScript. The JavaScript fetches data and renders components dynamically. However, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) can be compromised due to search engines struggling to index content rendered via JavaScript.

Use cases and examples

CSR is suitable for applications requiring frequent updates and dynamic content, such as real-time chat applications or social media platforms. Popular frameworks like React, Vue.js, and Angular enable efficient CSR implementation.

Want to get a hands-on experence with CSR? Try out this project “Build a Personal Portfolio Using React,” where you’ll build a personal portfolio for showcasing your work to the world.

Server-side rendering (SSR)

Server-side rendering involves generating HTML content on the server before delivering it to the client. This approach enables search engines to index content effectively, resulting in improved SEO and faster initial page loads.

How does SSR work?

When a user requests a page, the server fetches the necessary data and generates the HTML content. The fully rendered page is then sent to the client. Despite the benefits, SSR can introduce challenges related to server load and complex data fetching.

Use cases and examples

SSR is ideal for content-heavy websites, blogs, and applications that prioritize SEO. Frameworks like Next.js provide built-in server rendering capabilities, making it easier to implement.

Get hands-on experence with SSR with our “Build a Multi-Tenant E-Commerce App with Next.js and Firebase” project where you’ll build a multi-tenant e-commerce app to show users different content based on the domain.

Static site generation (SSG)

Static site generation refers to pre-rendering all pages as static HTML files during the build process. To minimize rendering on every request, the files are generated during build time, allowing pages to be served instantly upon user request. This strategy offers lightning-fast loading times and enhanced security.

How does SSG work?

During the build phase, the application generates HTML files for each page. These static files are then served to users, minimizing the need for server-side rendering and database queries.

Use cases and examples

SSG is excellent for content-focused websites and portfolios. Tools like Gatsby and Nuxt JS make SSG implementation straightforward, ensuring optimal performance and security.

Try out this project, “Build a Digital Library Using Gatsby and GraphQL” for hands-on SSG experience.

where you’ll create a digital library application using Gatsby and GraphQL.

Incremental static regeneration (ISR)

Incremental static regeneration combines elements of SSR and SSG. It allows us to pre-render static pages during build time while periodically regenerating specific pages with updated data. ISR represents an advancement over SSG, involving regular rebuilding and revalidating of pages to prevent content from becoming excessively outdated.

How does ISR work?

Static pages are generated at build time, and dynamic pages are regenerated incrementally based on specific triggers. This strategy balances the benefits of static content and real-time data updates.

Use cases and examples

ISR is ideal for websites with content that requires frequent updates, such as blogs or news portals. Frameworks like Next JS provide ISR capabilities to achieve the perfect balance between static content and dynamic data.

Learn more about ISR and other rendering strategies in Next.js with this blog, “Understanding Data Fetching in Next.js.”

Comparing SSR vs. CSR vs. ISR vs. SSG

In the world of web development, choosing how to show your site is important. You can use server-side rendering (SSR) for speed and search engine visibility, client-side rendering (CSR) for interaction, Incremental static regeneration (ISR) for balance, or static site generation (SSG) for fast performance. Picking the right way helps you make your website look and work great.

Continue learning more about rendering strategies

Explore these projects for hands-on practice:

• Build a Music Sharing App with Next.js and the MERN Stack

• Product Review and Feedback System Using Next.js

• Next.js Internationalization: Building a Multilingual Blog App

• Build the Frontend of a Financial Application Using React

• Build a Location Tracker Using Leaflet, ReactJS, and Express.js