WeWeb

How to implement server-side rendering in WeWeb?

Discover the ropes of implementing server-side rendering in WeWeb with this detailed guide. Boost your web app's SEO, speed, and user experience seamlessly.

Developer profile skeleton
a developer thinking

Overview

Implementing server-side rendering (SSR) in WeWeb can really amp up performance and give SEO a strong boost. By generating HTML on the server instead of the browser, things get smoother and search engines love it. To nail SSR in WeWeb, understanding its integration with back-end frameworks and how it taps into APIs for live data fetching is a must. This guide covers the essentials: setting up the server, configuring routes, tackling state management, and optimizing for both speed and scalability. Discover the step-by-step way to seamlessly get SSR working in your WeWeb projects.

Get a Free No-Code Consultation
Meet with Will, CEO at Bootstrapped to get a Free No-Code Consultation
Book a Call
Will Hawkins
CEO at Bootstrapped

How to implement server-side rendering in WeWeb?

Step 1: Set Up Your WeWeb Account and Project

  • If you haven't already, go ahead and create an account on WeWeb.
  • Start a new project or pick an existing one where you want to add server-side rendering (SSR).

Step 2: Install Necessary Packages

  • Make sure you have Node.js installed on your computer. You can grab it from Node.js official site.
  • Set up a new Node.js project in your working directory.
    ```bash
    mkdir weweb-ssr
    cd weweb-ssr
    npm init -y
    ```
  • Install the necessary SSR-related packages like express, react, and react-dom/server.
    ```bash
    npm install express react react-dom
    npm install --save @babel/core @babel/preset-react @babel/preset-env babel-loader
    ```

Step 3: Configure Babel

  • Create a .babelrc file in the root of your project with the following content:
    ```json
    {
    "presets": ["@babel/preset-env", "@babel/preset-react"]
    }
    ```

Step 4: Set Up Server with Express

  • Create a new file named server.js and set up an Express server.
    ```javascript
    const express = require('express');
    const React = require('react');
    const ReactDOMServer = require('react-dom/server');

    const app = express();

    // Serve static files
    app.use(express.static('public'));

    app.get('*', (req, res) => {
    const jsx = (


    Hello, WeWeb!



    );

    const reactDom = ReactDOMServer.renderToString(jsx);

    res.send(`





    SSR with WeWeb


    ${reactDom}



    `);
    });

    app.listen(3000, () => {
    console.log('Server is listening on port 3000');
    });
    ```

Step 5: Set Up Webpack Configuration

  • Create a webpack.server.config.js file for bundling server-side code:
    ```javascript
    const path = require('path');

    module.exports = {
    entry: './server.js',
    target: 'node',
    module: {
    rules: [
    {
    test: /.js$/,
    exclude: /node_modules/,
    use: {
    loader: 'babel-loader',
    },
    },
    ],
    },
    output: {
    filename: 'server.bundle.js',
    path: path.resolve(__dirname, 'dist'),
    },
    };
    ```

Step 6: Bundle and Run

  • Update your package.json to include scripts for building and starting your server.
    ```json
    "scripts": {
    "build": "webpack --config webpack.server.config.js",
    "start": "node dist/server.bundle.js"
    }
    ```
  • Run the build script to bundle your server-side code.
    ```bash
    npm run build
    ```
  • Start the server.
    ```bash
    npm start
    ```

Step 7: Integrate with WeWeb

  • Use WeWeb's API and SDK to fetch server-rendered pages and serve them via your Express server.

  • Example of an API call:
    ```javascript
    const fetch = require('node-fetch');

    app.get('*', async (req, res) => {
    const response = await fetch('YOUR_WEWEB_API_ENDPOINT');
    const data = await response.json();
    const jsx = ;
    const reactDom = ReactDOMServer.renderToString(jsx);

    res.send(`





    SSR with WeWeb


    ${reactDom}



    `);
    });
    ```

Step 8: Deploy Your Server

  • Deploy your server to a hosting provider like Heroku, AWS, or Vercel.
  • Make sure your deployed site is connected to your WeWeb project and is working correctly with SSR.

This approach enables server-side rendering in WeWeb, enhancing performance and SEO of your web applications.

Explore more WeWeb tutorials

Complete Guide to WeWeb: Tutorials, Tips, and Best Practices

Explore our WeWeb tutorials directory - an essential resource for learning how to create, deploy and manage robust server-side applications with ease and efficiency.

Why are companies choosing Bootstrapped?

40-60%

Faster with no-code

Nocode tools allow us to develop and deploy your new application 40-60% faster than regular app development methods.

90 days

From idea to MVP

Save time, money, and energy with an optimized hiring process. Access a pool of experts who are sourced, vetted, and matched to meet your precise requirements.

1 283 apps

built by our developers

With the Bootstrapped platform, managing projects and developers has never been easier.

hero graphic

Our capabilities

Bootstrapped offers a comprehensive suite of capabilities tailored for startups. Our expertise spans web and mobile app development, utilizing the latest technologies to ensure high performance and scalability. The team excels in creating intuitive user interfaces and seamless user experiences. We employ agile methodologies for flexible and efficient project management, ensuring timely delivery and adaptability to changing requirements. Additionally, Bootstrapped provides continuous support and maintenance, helping startups grow and evolve their digital products. Our services are designed to be affordable and high-quality, making them an ideal partner for new ventures.

Engineered for you

1

Fast Development: Bootstrapped specializes in helping startup founders build web and mobile apps quickly, ensuring a fast go-to-market strategy.

2

Tailored Solutions: The company offers customized app development, adapting to specific business needs and goals, which ensures your app stands out in the competitive market.

3

Expert Team: With a team of experienced developers and designers, Bootstrapped ensures high-quality, reliable, and scalable app solutions.

4

Affordable Pricing: Ideal for startups, Bootstrapped offers cost-effective development services without compromising on quality.

5

Supportive Partnership: Beyond development, Bootstrapped provides ongoing support and consultation, fostering long-term success for your startup.

6

Agile Methodology: Utilizing agile development practices, Bootstrapped ensures flexibility, iterative progress, and swift adaptation to changes, enhancing project success.

Yes, if you can dream it, we can build it.