What is single page application?
Definition
The term single page application (SPA) comes from the fact that all the program’s functionality is contained on a single page, where only a few fields change if there is interaction. In contrast, the others parts remain the same without loading or switching to another tab and page.
When you click anything in a SPA, the data you need is sent to your browser, where it is rendered. The server does not have to re-render the whole page on each click; instead, it updates the changed parts and transmits them to the browser.
Thanks to this incremental, client-side approach, users will notice significantly reduced wait times. It’s a win-win situation for consumers and companies since it minimizes the data a server needs to transfer and speeds up the process.
Pros
Quick and flexible front-end development
SPAs have a decoupled design, which means that different components handle the application’s back-end services and front-end display. This API configuration allows rapid UI development without endangering mission-critical back-end systems.
Improving the user interface
Because of application programming interfaces, single-page applications (SPAs) written in one language can communicate seamlessly with back-end services written in another.
HTML, CSS, and JS files are loaded once only
Because all the HTML is downloaded at once in a single-page application, the server can transmit less of it to you after the first-page load. For sites with a lot of navigation and templates that are used often, SPAs are a godsend because of how easily they can be swapped around.
Avoiding unnecessary server queries
You can save money on hardware costs by employing fewer servers to handle the same volume of traffic thanks to SPAs, which reduces the burden on your servers by eliminating the need for them to do numerous renderings.
Cons
SEO for single page apps may be challenging
Search engine optimization (SEO) might be tricky in the case of SPAs. While a SPA’s dynamic content may seem seamless to the user, it might be challenging for crawlers to evaluate and account for your content.
The use of JavaScript is fundamental
JavaScript is a must for every page-based application. A SPA will not work if JavaScript is not enabled.
Require a modern web browser
A single-page application will function flawlessly if the browser is up to date. Unfortunately, this cannot be stated for older, conventional browsers. In earlier browsers like internet explorer, single-page apps may misbehave or refuse to perform entirely.
Security concerns
There are also specific security issues that lurk over the usage of SPAs. They are more prone to being compromised via cross-site scripting assaults. You must keep this in mind when designing a single-page application for your project.
What is multi page application?
Definition
A multi-page app (MPA), also known as Traditional Web Application, is a classic server-side-loading web application. When a user clicks the refresh button or changes tabs, the browser requests the server for new information.
As the name indicates, MPAs have different pages that serve distinct purposes across the board. HTML is used for basic functionality, CSS for style, and JavaScript for interactive features in today’s most popular MPA development frameworks. Multi-page applications include any primary website with several sections or pages for static and dynamic content.
Pros
Enhanced SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial to the success of any website, and MPA can seamlessly back up some best SEO practices. Search engines “see” the same thing end users see when they crawl and index MPAs, which is the fully rendered content spread over several pages.
Capacity to grow infinitely
With an MPA, you may create fresh material and publish it on several web pages. The number of pages in a multi-page app is irrelevant regarding the amount of data presented about a product or service. Loading times are increased because single-page apps may only include the bare minimum of functionality. Because of this, multi-page apps are used when a corporation needs extra functionality.
Analytics can provide deeper insights
Numerous metrics may be provided by MPAs, giving insight into the success or failure of a website’s various functionalities. The only actionable data you can get from a single-page app is user identity and session duration.
Cons
Performance and speed decreases
When a user interacts with a multi-page application, the server must reload most of the application’s resources, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It’s important to note that as you switch pages, the browser redownloads all resources, so be patient while you explore.
We need more time for growth
There is a lag between deciding to create a marine protected area and doing so. Backend development often requires developers to start from scratch. Frontend and backend integration is also challenging because of how closely the two work together.
Constant upkeep and revision
The larger a website becomes, the more troublesome it is to maintain and update its pages. Also, developers may face security difficulties due to the need to protect each page individually. Data endpoints may be secured with ease in single-page applications.
Comparison: Traditional web application vs single page application
Some key differences between single page application vs web application. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately rests with the developer and the business.
| Features | SPA | MPA |
|---|---|---|
| Speed and Performance | Since most resources like HTML, CSS and JavaScript are only loaded once over the lifespan of apps, SPA is often quicker | Because every update requires a new page to be rendered from the server in the browser, MPA is often slower than SPA. |
| Development Time | Designing SPA might take less time since you only have a few pages. Yet, the deployment and testing can be more challenging than an MPA. It’s hard to tell which takes longer, mainly depending on your project’s complexity | With MPA, you’ll have to write new code and create unique designs for each page in your web app. The time invested may also impact the final price, depending on factors like the amount and complexity of features. |
| Navigation | To implement features like one-way navigation, developers will need to use an API. On the interface, you should create an undo button for users to navigate. | Each page of an MPA has a distinct URL that users may copy and paste for easy navigation. It’s also simple to use the playback controls to go back and forth |
| Scalability | Require large portions of code to be scalable. | Scaled up or down to any extent. |
| Cross Platform | SPA can run on several platforms. The back-end code of web apps may be used to develop applications for mobile devices or desktop computers. | If constructed with the appropriate frameworks, MPAs have the potential to be cross-platform; nevertheless, it is not possible to reuse the same code. |
| Memory Leaks | SPAs may continue to function on the user’s smartphone for many hours. This might result in a significant amount of required RAM. | Because they may be refilled, MPAs have a limited lifespan measured in minutes. Memory leaks have less chance of occurring |
| Offline | Can be used offline after it has been loaded since it can cache. | Connectivity to the internet is necessary for operation. |
| User experience | SPA has better mobile-friendly appearance. It takes less time for the page to load and have many functions. Which all contribute to better UX/UI | To create a good UX/UI with MPA, you need a structured sitemap and user flow to ensure they go through the correct navigation. |
| Development | Single-page apps’ back-end code may be reused. And obviously, reusable code needs less labor. | MPA’s front-end and the back-end are separated and can be developed concurrently |
| SEO | SPA performs poorly in SEO. | Each page of a traditional web apps may be optimized for a separate keyword. Search engines can crawl the info better and improve website rankings. |
| Coupling | The front-end and the back-end are two independent entities. When reading and presenting data, it use APIs from the server side. | As a result of the increased interdependence between the front-end and back-end in MPAs, the whole of the code is often contained inside a single project. |
| Security | It is required to make your SPA safe with secure data endpoints. In addition, SPAs are more likely to be targeted by hackers. | The greater the website’s size, the more work is required to keep it secure. You must protect each page. Generally, MPA security is more supported than SPA |
Single page application vs multi page application examples
Single-page application examples
Google’s Gmail: One of the most well-known online mailing platforms. It’s a single-page application, so navigating between its various parts will be instantaneous after the first delay while your email loads.
Netflix: You may have heard of Netflix even if you have never seen its content. Netflix, which also follows the SPA concept, is one of the most excellent media streaming services available today.
Twitter: Twitter is another platform that uses SPA. If you’re a user, you can check your alerts and read the latest headlines in your news feed without waiting for the website to refresh after each interaction.
Multi-page application examples
eCommerce websites, blogs, forums, and other sites selling items and services online are all examples of multi-page applications. Websites like eBay and Amazon are prime examples of multi-product marketplaces. These sites are slow because they need a lot of data to be sent between the server and the user’s device.
When to choose multi page application?
1. The client-side requirements for your web application are not too complicated
Applications that can only be read most of the time and require minimal or basic interactions (form filing, picture viewing, button clicking) are more straightforward than applications that manage and provide a plethora of advanced features. In this case, using MPA will be easy to deploy and take fewer resources.
Traditional server-based web applications, in which the logic is executed on the web server and HTML is rendered for display in the browser, make constructing it very straightforward. Each page on the website also has its URL that can be bookmarked and indexed by search engines.
2. JavaScript and TypeScript are unfamiliar to your developers
Consider hiring a consultant if your team is proficient in creating server-side web applications but lacks expertise in the JavaScript or TypeScript framework. If this is the case, the team will likely be able to produce a conventional web application more rapidly than a single-page application (SPA).
3. You don’t want to use a JS framework
Using client-side JavaScript is necessary for SPAs to work correctly; if this capability is lacking, using SPAs is not viable. Which also means MPA is a better solution for you
4. Other aspects
- You intend to showcase different items, services, or features through the application but offer few functions or interactions with such info.
- Your application’s success depends on where it ranks in search engines.
- You want to appeal to a broad audience of users with unique expectations and tastes.
When to choose single page application?
1. Web app requires a state-of-the-art UI that is packed with features
The client side is the primary domain of single-page applications. It prevents the reloading of web pages by retrieving data in the background to provide a more seamless and responsive experience for users.
Compared to traditional web apps, single-page applications provide smoother client-side user interface capabilities, such as drag-and-drop functionality. In addition, SPA continues to function normally without a network. It is feasible because, after the connection has been re-established, the server is updated with any modifications made by the user on the application’s client side. Therefore, SPAs go above and beyond the functionality provided by standard HTML codes.
2. Your team know TypeScript and JavaScript
To construct single-page apps, one has to have the expertise and an awareness of the programming methodologies, libraries, and client-side programming involved in JavaScript and TypeScript. Current JavaScript scripts should be developed using single-page application frameworks like Angular JS.
3. Your application has API that can be used by other customers
APIs take some of the weight off your shoulders. When a user interacts with your SPA, it efficiently uses the web APIs to carry out the necessary actions that your customers may utilize.
4. Other aspects
- Your web app’s primary purpose is to convey a tale about the company’s brand, lead conversion or engagement
- You want to construct an app but currently have limited resources. The SPA source code can easily be transformed into a native app in the future
- When your users are big enough for a web app and you want to increase engagement.
- When the success of your website is independent of SEO.
Wrapping up
When choosing between SPA and MPA, it is essential to have a comprehensive view. Understanding the difference between single page application vs multi page application will provide you with in-depth knowledge of the benefits and drawbacks of each technology. You can answer the most critical questions: Which is better for your business goals and needs?
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