Next.js Course
Next.js
/
Intermediate

SSR vs CSR vs SSG vs ISR

Definition

Understanding the core differences, pros, cons, and appropriate use cases for the four primary rendering strategies in Next.js.

Explain Like I'm New

CSR = Rendered on user's phone (Slow initial load, great interactivity). SSR = Rendered on server on every click (Always fresh, slower server response). SSG = Rendered once when deploying (Absurdly fast, but data can get stale). ISR = Rendered once, but secretly rebuilds itself periodically (The best of both worlds).

Real World Example

Deciding architecture: Use CSR for a heavy drawing app. Use SSR for a stock trading platform. Use SSG for a privacy policy page. Use ISR for an e-commerce catalog.

Common Use Cases

  • •System Architecture
  • •Performance Tuning
  • •Technical Interviews

Interactive Example

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Interview Questions

basic

  • Which rendering strategy is the absolute fastest for the end user?

intermediate

  • If you are building an admin dashboard hidden behind a login screen where SEO does not matter, which strategy is often easiest to use?

Flash Cards

Question

Fastest strategy?

Click to reveal answer
Answer

Static Site Generation (SSG). The HTML is already built and sitting on a CDN right next to the user's city.

Question

Admin dashboard?

Click to reveal answer
Answer

Client-Side Rendering (CSR). You can just fetch data directly in `useEffect` or React Query without worrying about server data passing.