Server-side rendering (SSR) allows rendering Angular applications on the server-side before sending them to the client. This approach offers several benefits such as improved performance, search engine optimization (SEO), and better user experience.

What is Angular Universal?

Angular Universal is a technology that enables server-side rendering in Angular applications. It allows developers to generate HTML content on the server and send it to the client. By doing so, the client receives fully rendered pages, reducing the initial loading time and providing better SEO.

Why use Angular Universal for SSR?

When implementing SSR in Angular, Angular Universal offers a streamlined solution. It pre-renders Angular components on the server-side, reducing the time it takes for the client to receive and render the content. This improves both performance and user experience.

How to implement SSR using Angular Universal?

Here is a step-by-step guide to implementing server-side rendering in Angular using Angular Universal:

  1. Install Angular Universal: Begin by installing Angular Universal in your Angular project. You can do this by running the following command in your project directory:
  2. npm install @angular/platform-server @nguniversal/module-map-ngfactory-loader --save
  3. Create a server.ts file: Create a new file named server.ts in your project root directory. This file will be responsible for setting up the server-side rendering configuration.
  4. Configure your application: Modify your application to support server-side rendering. This involves making changes to your AppModule and AppModule routes, so they can be prerendered on the server side.
  5. Build the server bundle: Use the Angular CLI to build the server bundle by running the following command:
  6. ng run your-project-name:server
  7. Set up a Node.js server: Set up a Node.js server to handle the server-side rendering. You can use frameworks like Express.js for this purpose.
  8. Start the server: Start the Node.js server to serve your application with server-side rendering enabled. You can do this by running the following command:
  9. node dist/server.js

Conclusion

By implementing server-side rendering in Angular using Angular Universal, developers can significantly improve the performance and SEO of their applications. Angular Universal simplifies the process of setting up server-side rendering and allows developers to deliver fully rendered pages to their users.

SSR plays a crucial role in enhancing user experience, especially for applications that require fast loading times and better search engine visibility. With Angular Universal, developers have a powerful tool at their disposal to implement server-side rendering efficiently in Angular projects.