Server-Side Rendering (SSR) with Vue CLI 3: A Comprehensive Guide

Server-side rendering (SSR) is a powerful technique that allows Vue.js applications to render on the server before being sent to the client. This has several advantages, including improved performance, better SEO, and increased accessibility.

In this article, we'll take a deep dive into how to implement SSR with Vue CLI 3, covering everything from the initial setup to the final deployment. We'll also provide practical tips and tricks to help you get the most out of SSR.

Benefits of SSR

SSR offers a number of benefits over traditional client-side rendering (CSR):

• Improved Performance: SSR can significantly improve the perceived performance of your application, especially on low-power devices or networks with high latency. This is because the initial page load is rendered on the server, eliminating the need for the client to wait for the entire application to download and execute.
• Better SEO: SSR improves the search engine visibility of your application by allowing search engines to crawl and index your content more effectively. This is because the server-rendered content is fully visible to search engines, unlike client-side rendered content which may not be executed or indexed.
• Increased Accessibility: SSR makes your application more accessible to users with disabilities or who have limited internet access. This is because the server-rendered content is complete and ready to use immediately, without requiring the user to download and execute the entire application.

Implementing SSR with Vue CLI 3

To implement SSR with Vue CLI 3, follow these steps:

1. Install the Vue CLI 3 Service Worker Plugin:

   vue add @vue/cli-plugin-service-worker
   

2. Create a New Vue Project:

   vue create my-ssr-app
   

3. Add the vue-router Package:

   vue add vue-router
   

4. Create the Server-Side Entry File:
   Create a new file named entry-server.js in the src directory. This file will be the entry point for the server-side rendering process.

5. Configure vue-router for Server-Side Rendering:
   In the main.js file, export a factory function that creates a new VueRouter instance. In this factory function, set the mode option to 'history' and the base option to the publicPath of your Vue CLI project.

6. Configure Webpack for Server-Side Rendering:
   In the vue.config.js file, configure Webpack to bundle your application for server-side rendering. Set the target option to 'node' and the output.libraryTarget option to 'commonjs2'.

7. Add the Server-Side Renderer to Your Express App:
   In your Express app, add the server-side renderer middleware. This middleware will be used to render your Vue application on the server.

8. Deploy Your SSR Application:
   To deploy your SSR application, you can use a hosting provider that supports Node.js, such as Heroku or AWS Elastic Beanstalk.

Tips and Tricks for SSR

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of SSR:

• Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN): A CDN can help to improve the performance of your SSR application by caching the static assets (such as JavaScript and CSS files).
• Enable HTTP/2: HTTP/2 is a newer protocol that can improve the performance of your SSR application by allowing multiple requests to be sent over a single connection.
• Use a Reverse Proxy: A reverse proxy can help to improve the security and stability of your SSR application by acting as a mediator between the client and the server.

Conclusion

SSR is a powerful technique that can significantly improve the performance, SEO, and accessibility of your Vue.js application. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily implement SSR with Vue CLI 3 and start reaping the benefits of this powerful technique.

Remember, this article provides a comprehensive overview of SSR with Vue CLI 3, but it's always a good idea to consult the official documentation and explore additional resources to further enhance your understanding and implementation. Happy coding!