Find Us on Socials

React JS
Technology

How to improve app performance with ReactJS server-side rendering?

What are your strategies to enhance web app user experience and performance? ReactJS prerendering is becoming quite popular among web developers due to its great features and functionalities. 

To begin with the whole process, it is important to understand the basics of ReactJS, server-side rendering, and its benefits. 

We will give you a clear image of the whole process to ensure that you incorporate the right solution on the platform. 

What is React JS? 

It is a popular JavaScript library and a frontend framework used in website development. Being an open-source platform, it is easier to use and optimize as per business requirements. Most businesses rely on this platform to build mobile apps and single-page applications. 

Some unique features of ReactJS are:

  • JSX: The JavaScript Syntax Extension is used to write HTML structures in the same that will contain JavaScript code. 
  • Data flow and Flux: The platform supports data flow in a single direction, and it is important to work on additional features to change the data flow. 
  • Virtual DOM: The Document Object Model is a lightweight representation of the real DOM. This makes updating content easier and faster as it only modifies the required object instead of the whole page. 
  • Extensions: Various extensions will help in improving the application architecture. This is mostly used in server-side rendering, Redux, and Flux, included in web app development. 
  • Debugging: Testing the application’s performance is easier due to the large community. There are many extensions to make the debugging process faster and more convenient. 

What is server-side rendering?

It is challenging to address the performance of your web pages for search engine optimization. The aim is to increase the website speed and enhance performance for search engine crawlers. Rendering deals with the process of converting the application code into web pages. 

It generates a static HTML markup on the server, enabling browsers to get a rendered HTML page. This is managed on the backend with ReactJS, which can run the JavaScript code for building the UI components. 

The browser now does not have to render the HTML, which increases the page loading speed with the help of server-side rendering. But the browser needs to download and process the JS file to interact with the HTML elements. 

What is the process of server-side rendering?

The client sends an HTTP request 

When the user adds the URL in the browser, it will build an HTTP connection with the server. Then it will send a request to the server for an HTML document. 

Data Fetching 

The server will collect the required information from the third-party APIs and database. 

Server-Side Prerendering

In the JS prerender process, the server will compile the JavaScript components into static HTML at this stage for faster response. 

HTTP Response of Server 

Once completed with compilation, the server will send the HTML document to the client. 

Page Loading and Rendering

The client will download the HTML file and showcase the static components on the web page. 

Hydration 

The client downloads the JS files embedded inside HTML. Then it will process the code and attach the event listeners with the component. 

What are the improvements with ReactJS server-side rendering?

It is significant to know the benefits of using ReactJS server-side rendering before making any investments. Let us look at some of them:

Faster page loading speed 

The prerendering of HTML on the server will consume less time to load the content on the screen. The caching will be changed for the users that visit again. If the frontend page is not loading any dynamic data from the server as the code is already cached, the browser must render with the client side. 

Better indexing on search engines 

The search engine bot can smoothly crawl the static HTML but has issues with JavaScript content. Server-side rendering ensures to avoid the complications and delays in indexing the webpages. 

Better LCP count

The Largest Contentful Paint is an important segment of the core web vital element of the ranking factors. The loading of the content or images is calculated based on time. So, to save the hassle, the largest content elements will be stored in the static content during prerender and display faster results. 

Manage CLS 

The lower Cumulative Layout Shift ensures fewer or no unexpected changes in the position and dimension of the content elements after rendering. The server-side rendering saves the website from random layout shifts and improves the CLS score. 

Fewer complications on social media 

Like search engine bots, social media bots face issues indexing JavaScript content. So, with the right tools and resources to perform server-side rendering for social media. 

Better server-side processing 

The main benefit of server-side prerendering is that it does not take up much time to load the data for the search engine crawlers. The browser side-side rendering enhances the performance of web pages and provides a great experience to the visitors. 

Accuracy in user metrics

Most Single-Page-Applications and web apps depend on client-side rendering to reduce the number of round trips with the server. This makes it challenging to collect key metrics like exit page counts, bounce rate, or time spent on the page. But with server-side rendering, this information is easily managed and evaluated for user satisfaction.  

Reduces Issues with compatibility 

Many web pages that use JavaScript face incompatibility with browsers. This is reduced with server-side rendering as it will remove the requirement of client-side JS libraries. It is beneficial for the web application and end users. 

The Final Note!

Understanding the benefits of ReactJS prerendering for the server side helps to make an informed decision. Whether you want to gather information, be consistent, boost page loading speed, or provide a reliable user experience, the right procedure will ensure it happens. 

You might need an expert to handle server-side rendering for the JavaScript frameworks, which are difficult for search engines to crawl.

Muhammad Asad Raza