SSR Vs CSR Vs SSG (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 10 Oct, 2025

There are several techniques for rendering web pages-Server-Side Rendering (SSR), Client-Side Rendering (CSR), and Static Site Generation (SSG). Each method has its own strengths and limitations, and the right choice depends on your project’s specific requirements and objectives. This guide explores the key differences between these three rendering approaches and illustrates them with practical examples for better understanding

**Server-Side Rendering

Server-side rendering (SSR) is the process of rendering web pages on the server and sending the fully-rendered HTML to the client. In this approach, the server generates the HTML, including any dynamic data, and sends it to the client as a complete page. The client then displays the page without any further processing.

One example of a popular SSR framework is Next.js. With Next.js, you can write React code and have it automatically rendered on the server, providing the benefits of SSR without having to manage the server yourself.

**Working of SSR

When a user requests a page, the server generates the HTML for that page, including any dynamic data. The fully-rendered HTML is then sent to the client, which can display the page without any further processing.

**Uses

SSR is commonly used for content-heavy websites, such as blogs or news websites, where fast initial load times and good SEO optimization are important.

**Advantages

• Faster initial load times
• Improved SEO optimization
• Can provide a better user experience for users with slower internet connections or less powerful devices

**Disadvantages

• Can require more server resources and maintenance
• This can result in slower subsequent page loads if the client needs to make additional server requests

**Client-Side Rendering

Client-side rendering (CSR) is the process of rendering web pages on the client using JavaScript. In this approach, the server sends the initial HTML file, but the client then uses JavaScript to dynamically update the page as needed. This allows for more interactive and responsive web pages, as the client can update specific parts of the page without needing to reload the entire page.

One example of a popular CSR framework is React. With React, you can write JavaScript code that updates the DOM as needed, providing a more interactive and dynamic web application.

**Working of CSR

When a user requests a page, the server sends the initial HTML file, along with any required JavaScript files. The client then uses JavaScript to update the page as needed, without needing to reload the entire page.

**Uses

CSR is commonly used for web applications that require a high degree of interactivity, such as social media platforms or e-commerce websites.

**Advantages

• More dynamic and interactive web applications
• Can provide a smoother and more seamless user experience
• Can reduce the need for additional server requests

**Disadvantages

• Slower initial load times
• Can be less SEO-friendly, as search engines may have difficulty indexing client-rendered content

**Server-Side Generation

Server-side generation (SSG) is a hybrid approach that combines the benefits of SSR and CSR. In this approach, the server generates static HTML files for each page, but also includes client-side JavaScript that can be used to update the page as needed.

One example of a popular SSG framework is Gatsby. With Gatsby, you can write React code and have it automatically generated into static HTML files, providing the benefits of SSG without needing to manage the server yourself.

**Working of SSG

When a user requests a page, the server generates a static HTML file for that page, along with any required JavaScript files. The client can then display the page immediately, without needing to wait for any additional server requests. The client-side JavaScript can be used to update the page as needed.

**Uses

SSG is commonly used for static websites, such as portfolios or landing pages, that require fast initial load times and some degree of interactivity. It can also be used for more complex applications that don't require real-time updates.

**Advantages

• Fast initial load times
• Dynamic updates as needed
• Can provide a better user experience for users with slower internet connections or less powerful devices

**Disadvantages

• Can be more complex to set up and maintain
• May not be suitable for applications that require real-time updates

**Comparison Table: