November 19, 2024
Server-Side Rendering vs Static Site Generation in Next.js

Understanding Server-Side Rendering (SSR)

SSR dynamically generates HTML for each request, providing up-to-date content tailored to the user. This approach is ideal for e-commerce or dynamic apps like Foodbag, where content needs to reflect real-time updates, such as inventory or user-specific recommendations. However, SSR may increase server load, as every request requires processing. At Nebulae, SSR ensures that Foodbag delivers personalized, responsive experiences to its users.

Benefits of Static Site Generation (SSG)

SSG generates static HTML during the build process, resulting in lightning-fast page loads. It’s perfect for content-heavy sites like Nebulae’s portfolio, where updates are less frequent but performance is critical. Combined with Strapi’s headless CMS, SSG allows Nebulae to pre-render pages while dynamically updating content through re-builds, ensuring high speed and flexibility. SSG also minimizes server dependency, enhancing reliability.

Choosing the Right Method for Your Project

The choice between SSR and SSG depends on your project’s needs. SSR is better suited for dynamic apps requiring frequent updates, while SSG shines in static, performance-focused sites. Hybrid rendering, combining SSR and SSG, is often the best of both worlds. For instance, Foodbag uses SSR for its dynamic e-commerce features, while the Nebulae portfolio employs SSG to highlight case studies with blazing-fast performance.