Web rendering rumble: SSR vs SSG

Web development has grown rapidly, but a persistent issue is slow website loading. For beginners, this often results in frustrating user experiences. Enter the contenders: Server-Side Rendering (SSR) and Static Site Generation (SSG).

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These two techniques aim to tackle the problem by enhancing web rendering speed. In this article, we break down the complexities of SSR vs. SSG, offering insights into how they provide solutions for faster, more efficient websites.

Understanding SSR and SSG in web development with Next.js

Next.js, a popular framework, offers robust support for both SSR/SSG. With Next.js SSR and SSG frameworks, developers can statically generate pages with or without data.

For pages requiring external data fetching during pre-rendering, Next.js provides functions like getStaticProps or getStaticPaths.

Let's explore everything about SSG and SSR!

SSR (Server-Side Rendering):

Next.js SSR involves generating HTML on the server at runtime. This technique mainly benefits websites featuring dynamic or frequently changing content, such as e-commerce platforms or social media sites.

Here's a simple example of using SSR with Next.js:

// pages/index.js
import React from 'react';
// This function gets called at build time
export async function getServerSideProps() {
// Fetch data from an API or database
const data = await fetchData();
// Pass data to the page via props
return {
props: { data },
};
}
function HomePage({ data }) {
// Render the data
return (
<div>
<h1>Server-Side Rendering with Next.js</h1>
<p>Data fetched at runtime: {data}</p>
</div>
);
}
export default HomePage;

In this example, 

1. The function getServerSideProps in Next.js runs at build time on the server. It fetches data from an API or database and passes it as props to the component.
2. The HomePage component receives the data as props and renders it on the page.
3. With Server-Side Rendering, the page is generated on each request, ensuring that the content is always up-to-date.

When to use SSR?

You should use SSR if you:

1. Need SEO in Google, Yahoo, and Bing, among others.
2. Need your content to be shared on social networks.
3. Are looking for an alternative to improve user experience and performance.
4. Have resources to hire and maintain servers, especially if you expect high user traffic. You must also have a good cache strategy.
5. Have a very simple UI with fewer pages/features.
6. Have less dynamic data in your application.

It may not be the best fit for websites with an intricate user interface, numerous pages/features, or rich content with a limited user base.

SSG (Static Site Generation):

Next.js SSG, on the other hand, is ideal for websites where content doesn't undergo frequent changes, like blogs or documentation sites. SSG generates static HTML files during the build time, resulting in faster page load times compared to SSR. The benefits of SSG encompass swift page loading, improved SEO, and heightened security.

SSG engines use text input files to generate static web pages. 

Here in SSG, HTML is pre-rendered during the build time and can be cached by a Content Delivery Network (CDN). This pre-rendered HTML is then served to users without the need for server-side processing.

Here's a simple example of using Static Site Generation (SSG) with Next.js:

// pages/index.js
import React from 'react';
// This function gets called at build time
export async function getStaticProps() {
// Fetch data from an API or database
const data = await fetchData();
// Pass data to the page via props
return {
props: { data },
};
}
function HomePage({ data }) {
// Render the data
return (
<div>
<h1>Static Site Generation with Next.js</h1>
<p>Static content generated at build time: {data}</p>
</div>
);
}
export default HomePage;

In this example

1. The getStaticProps function is another special function in Next.js that runs at build time. It fetches data from an API or database and passes it as props to the component.
2. The HomePage component receives the data as props and renders it on the page.
3. With Static Site Generation, the page is pre-rendered at build time, and the pre-rendered HTML is served to users. This results in faster page loads since the content is already available and doesn't require server-side processing for each request.

SSR vs. SSG: benefits 

When exploring SSR and SSG frameworks, it’s important to check the benefits they both provide. Let’s break down the advantages of each framework in the world of development:

Benefits of SSR

Here are the reasons why SSR deserves a special place in your web development toolkit.

Social media friendly

Ever shared a link on social media only to find it looks awkward or needs more essential information? SSR comes to the rescue! By generating HTML on the server, SSR ensures that when you share your website, platforms like Facebook or Twitter can easily grab the right content. It makes your shared links look polished and professional.

SEO friendly

Now, let's talk about search engines. SSR is like a friend that helps search engines understand your website better. With HTML generated on the server, search engines can efficiently crawl and index your content. This means higher chances of your website showing up in search results—something every beginner dreams of!

Fast FCP and FP

SSR can turbocharge your website's First Contentful Paint (FCP) and First Paint (FP) scores. It means your website loads faster for users. With SSR, the initial page load is snappier, delivering a smoother user experience.

Up-to-date content

Imagine running an online store where product prices change frequently. SSR ensures your website stays in the know. By generating HTML at runtime, SSR keeps your content up-to-date. Your customers see the latest prices and information without missing a beat.

Benefits of SSG

Here's why SSG is a fantastic ally to have in your toolkit.

Fast load times

Picture this: your website loads almost instantly. SSG makes it happen. By pre-generating static HTML files during the build process, your website is ready to roll the moment someone clicks on it. No waiting around – just a speedy, seamless user experience.

Secure

Security is non-negotiable in the digital realm, and SSG has your back. With no server-side processing during runtime, there's less exposure to security vulnerabilities. Your website becomes a fortress, safeguarding your content and user data.

Social media friendly

SSG ensures your shared links look sharp and enticing. By pre-rendering content, your pages are ready to captivate audiences across various platforms, making your website the star of the social media show.

SEO friendly

Ah, the ever-important SEO game. SSG plays it well. With static HTML files, search engines can effortlessly crawl and index your content, giving your website a boost in search rankings. A win-win for both you and potential visitors.

Mobile friendly

In a mobile-centric world, being mobile-friendly is non-negotiable. SSG doesn't disappoint. With pre-generated static files, your website is inherently optimized for mobile devices, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for users on the go.

Scalability

Planning for growth? SSG has scalability in its DNA. Since each page is pre-rendered, scaling up doesn't necessarily mean more server resources. Your website can gracefully handle increased traffic without breaking a sweat.

SSR vs. SSG: navigating the drawbacks of both

In the realm of SSR and SSG, concerns may arise regarding increased server load, especially during peak traffic times.

Let's have a look at areas where they both lack:

Cons of SSR:

• Slow TTFB – server-side rendering (SSR) can lead to slower Time To First Byte (TTFB), impacting the initial loading speed of your website.
• Server-intensive workloads – SSR may result in server-intensive workloads, especially during peak traffic, potentially affecting overall performance.
• Cannot be cached by CDNs – unlike static content, SSR pages can't be fully cached by traditional Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), limiting caching benefits.
• Slow site navigation without universal rendering – navigating across a site with SSR can be sluggish, particularly if universal rendering needs to be implemented, affecting user experience.
• Longer TTI compared to FTP with universal rendering – the Time To Interactive (TTI) in SSR scenarios can be longer than the First Paint (FTP) when universal rendering is not employed, delaying user interaction.

Cons of SSG:

• Limited real-time data updates – static Site Generation (SSG) may face limitations in handling real-time data updates due to its pre-rendering nature.
• Complex build setup for large sites – building large websites with SSG might require a more complex setup, potentially impacting development efficiency.
• Potential for stale content – SSG-generated sites may face challenges in keeping content completely up-to-date, especially for rapidly changing data.
• Less dynamic interactivity – compared to SSR, SSG might offer less dynamic interactivity, making it less suitable for highly interactive web application development.
• Dependency on build time – SSG's reliance on build time for generating static pages may lead to delays in reflecting real-time changes in content.

Choosing between SSR vs. SSG: finding the right fit

When faced with the decision of whether to opt for SSR or SSG, understanding the specific needs of your project is key.  

Let’s see how you navigate the decision-making process:

Content update frequency

If your content changes infrequently, SSG is the preferred choice for enhanced performance and scalability.

For dynamic content that updates regularly, SSR ensures users consistently see the most up-to-date information.

Interactive user experience

If you aim for a highly interactive user experience, SSR websites excel in providing dynamic and engaging content.

For websites with static content and minimal interactivity, SSG is suitable, especially when combined with Client-Side Rendering (CSR) or SSR.

Rendering costs

Choose SSG if you prefer to incur rendering costs at website build-time, ensuring pre-generated static pages.

Opt for SSR if you want to render costs at run-time, dynamically generating content with each user request.

Business requirements

For excellent SEO benefits, SSG shines.

If dynamic content and personalization are crucial, SSR offers better support.

Wrap up

In the world of SSR and SSG, balance is key! SSR is for dynamic flair, and SSG offers speed. Striking a perfect balance means having the best of both worlds. 

Mastering this art is crucial; that's why Apptension has your back for all development needs. Your coding journey just found its creative guide.