SSR vs. SSG
After recently switching to Astro, which focuses on static generation (SSG), it’s the perfect time to explain the key difference in modern web development: Server-Side Rendering (SSR) versus Static Site Generation (SSG).
Server-Side Rendering (SSR): On demand
SSR generates a page with every user click. It’s fresh, great for client zones, e-shops, or social networks where data is constantly changing. The downside? The server can get bogged down and the response is sometimes slower.
Static Site Generation (SSG): Pre-baked and ready
SSG prepares everything in advance during compilation (this is a manual step). The page then loads lightning fast because it is already finished. Ideal for blogs or documentation, but also for small to medium-sized e-shops. However, as soon as you change something, you have to regenerate the whole thing again.
Which strategy to choose?
If you are not a developer, then the economic motivation is clear: for most websites that are not extremely dynamic, SSG is the better choice. It is faster, cheaper, and easier to maintain. For projects that need fresh data and personalization, SSR is essential.
A developer should only choose SSR if there is a reason to do so (e.g., the need for fresh data, personalization, or specific features), otherwise SSG is often a better choice for speed and simplicity.