Single-Page Applications: Pros and Cons
Transitioning from conventional desktop applications paved the way for building web apps. The demand for refined apps is growing and hence the need to find the best design patterns. One of the design patterns is Single-Page Applications (SPA).
Let’s explore this model with its pros and cons.
Single-Page Application
Single-page application or SPA has resulted as an evolution for Multiple-page application (MPA). Before their arrival, if the user made any action, for example, clicks any link on a web page, it triggers the browser to make a request to the server and load a new page. Upon receiving the request, the server sends the new page to the user’s browser.
The concept of SPA came before 2003 but it was not until the early 2010s, that SPA appeared as a game-changer. A single-page application is an app that performs the function within the web browser. It saves your time from the tedious task of constantly reloading the complete web page. You visit only one web page that keeps on loading other content pages.
SPAs provide a “natural” environment in the browser by rendering pages straight within the browser using the JavaScript client-side frameworks and libraries like AngularJS, React JS, Ember.js, Meteor.js, Knockout.js.
React JS for building SPA
React JS is a front-end JavaScript framework. The tool is used for building UI components. SPA works by sending an initial request to the server, upon receiving the response, React takes over to intercept the request from letting it go back to the server. React ensures to show the requested components immediately upon the user action. As a result, there is a reduction in time, more speed, and outstanding UX making it simple and easy for the end-users.
To put all these benefits in perspective, here’s one of Psmorfia’s work examples.
Psmorfia built a weekly task management tool for day-to-day activities. The inspiration is to provide the users with an easy-to-use routine task management tracking system that can align the daily tasks in a simple manner. The frontend of the app has been built on React, with the backend on Django (Python). In React, the user-interface logic was maintained within the browser and the changes were made in the app without the need to reload any page.
Let’s now look into the pros and cons of SPA.
Pros
1. Page Load Time is Quicker
SPA is fast; all UI resources (HTML, JavaScript, and CSS) are only loaded once from the server. And then only the data is transmitted back and forth.
2. Development is Simple and Fast
You are free from the hassle of larger and bigger applications that requires creating multiple pages. In SPA, you have to create fewer pages, less content, and minimum functionality. You do not need to write code to render pages on the server.
3. Frontend and Backend are Decoupled
The backend does not have to render UI elements, you only need to expose an API for other clients and update data as end-users make use of the app.
4. Debugging is Easier with Chrome
The SPA JavaScript frameworks have their own Chrome developer tools through which you can track the network operations, investigate page elements and data associated with it.
5. Capability to Cache
The data that is received by request to the server is stored locally on the client-side. This data is accessible without an internet connection. For example, users can work offline on Facebook and Gmail because SPA can cache any local data efficiently.
6. Small Data Volumes & Less Content
In SPA, once the data is retrieved from the server-side and stored on the client-side, you can use it in dynamic applications with small data volumes and fewer page content.
Cons
1. Vulnerable to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
SPA has security issues because of reliance on client-side JavaScript. Hackers can insert their own client-side script into web apps, which can be prevented by securing only the data points rather than securing each page separately like in Multiple Page Applications (MPA).
2. Tricky Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Indexing the website properly for a high search ranking is complicated. It is because the content is loaded in a non-synchronous way which makes it the crawler difficult to know if there is more data to reach. However, this is no longer a problem as big search engines can handle SEO on the server side.
3. Slow Download Time
It is because large client frameworks are required to be loaded to the client.
In a nutshell, SPA has a promising future for SaaS businesses, social networks, and community sites which do not require a heavy volume of data or are influenced by SEO.
Want ideas for your app? Reach us out for free consultation.
Psmorfia’s developers would love to help you in the process and make your app to be refined, flexible, and successful as per your requirements.
