Server-Side Rendering (SSR) and Next Steps

Introduction

Until now, you have built React applications that run entirely in the browser. This approach is called client-side rendering (CSR). While CSR works well, it may have limitations such as slower initial load time and weaker search engine optimization (SEO).

To address these issues, developers use Server-Side Rendering (SSR). SSR improves performance and SEO by rendering content on the server before sending it to the browser.

What Is Client-Side Rendering (CSR)?

In CSR, the browser loads a basic HTML file and a JavaScript bundle. React then builds the UI in the browser.

This approach offers fast interactions after loading, but may delay the first visible content and may not be ideal for SEO-heavy websites.

What Is Server-Side Rendering (SSR)?

In SSR, the server generates the HTML for a page and sends it to the browser. The browser displays content immediately, and React then hydrates the page to make it interactive.

This improves initial load performance and helps search engines index content more effectively.

Benefits of SSR

SSR provides several advantages:

  • Faster initial page load

  • Better SEO

  • Improved performance on slower devices

However, SSR adds complexity to development and server setup.

Frameworks That Support SSR

React itself focuses on UI rendering, but frameworks extend its capabilities. Popular frameworks that support SSR include:

  • Next.js – A React framework with built-in SSR and routing

  • Remix – A modern framework focused on performance and data loading

These frameworks handle routing, data fetching, and server rendering automatically.

CSR vs SSR Comparison

CSR is simpler to set up and works well for dashboards or apps requiring heavy interactivity. SSR is better for content-focused websites where SEO and fast initial loads matter.

Choosing between CSR and SSR depends on project requirements.

The Concept of Hydration

After SSR sends HTML to the browser, React attaches event listeners and makes the page interactive. This process is called hydration.

Hydration ensures that the static content becomes a fully functional React application.

When to Use SSR

SSR is useful when:

  • SEO is important

  • Initial load performance matters

  • The app serves content to a wide audience

CSR may still be enough for internal tools or admin dashboards.

Common Challenges with SSR

  • More complex setup

  • Handling server and client code differences

  • Managing data fetching on the server

Frameworks like Next.js simplify these challenges.

Summary

In this chapter, you learned the difference between client-side and server-side rendering. You understood how SSR improves performance and SEO, what hydration means, and when SSR is beneficial. With this knowledge, you are ready to explore advanced React frameworks and build production-ready applications.