Implementing Angular Server-Side Rendering (SSR) AKA Angular Universal

Angular offers Server-Side Rendering (SSR) which enables your Angular application to render on the server before sending it to the client, resulting in improved performance and search engine optimization. In this post, we'll delve into the process of implementing Angular SSR, complete with code samples and step-by-step instructions.

Why Angular SSR?

Before diving into implementation details, let's understand why Angular SSR is beneficial:

1. Improved Performance: SSR reduces initial load times by serving pre-rendered content to the client, resulting in faster perceived performance.
2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Search engines prefer content that is available in the initial HTML response. SSR ensures that search engine crawlers can easily index your Angular application.
3. Enhanced User Experience: SSR enables users to view content quickly, especially on slower network connections or less powerful devices.

Implementation Steps

Step 1: Create an Angular Application

First, ensure you have Angular CLI installed. If not, install it globally using npm:

npm install -g @angular/cli

Create a new Angular project:

ng new my-angular-app
cd my-angular-app

Step 2: Install Angular Universal

Angular Universal provides server-side rendering support for Angular applications. Install it along with the necessary dependencies:

ng add @nguniversal/express-engine

Step 3: Generate SSR Files

Generate the SSR files using Angular Universal schematics:

ng generate universal --clientProject my-angular-app

This command creates server-side rendering files within your Angular project.

Step 4: Configure Routes

In src/app/app.routing.module.ts, configure your routes as usual. Ensure your routes are compatible with both client and server rendering.

Step 5: Build for SSR

Build your Angular application for server-side rendering:

npm run build:ssr

This command compiles your Angular application and generates server-side rendering artifacts.

Step 6: Run SSR Server

Start the server for server-side rendering:

npm run serve:ssr

Your Angular application is now ready for server-side rendering! Visit http://localhost:4000 to see it in action.

Summary

Implementing Angular Server-Side Rendering (SSR) is a powerful technique for improving performance and SEO-friendliness of your web applications. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly integrate SSR into your Angular projects. Remember to continuously optimize and test your application to ensure optimal performance and user experience.

Angular SSR not only boosts performance but also enhances the accessibility and discoverability of your web applications in today's competitive digital landscape. So, why wait? Start implementing Angular SSR today and reap the benefits it offers for your projects. Happy coding!