Benefits of using a JS Framework

Question

I am starting a new project and trying to decide if I should use a Javascript framework (like vue.js or react) and create a Ruby on Rails API, or use Ruby on Rails to server-side render pages and sprinkle javascript on to the pages (potentially leveraging Stimulus.js).

I am currently very comfortable using RoR to generate a web application and have only recently started looking at using a JS framework.

My question is, what benefits do you get from using a JS framework, vs server-side rendering? I'm having trouble defining a line for when client side should be used compared to the server-side rendering.

For instance, in poor internet connection environments, does client-side perform better than server-side rendering? My assumption is that because all the data is called on initial load of the page, it allows for the application to run client-side with little to no internet access until the need to persist something to the DB is required.

I believe I understand how the basic implementation and flow works for Client-side rendering, but I am unsure why we need it and what benefits it provides over server-side rendering with javascript.

Thanks,

Answer 1

As with any other question to adopt a technology - it depends on the technology. It depends on your requirements. It depends on any future requirements/the roadmap for the product. It somewhat depends on the various skills in your team too.

Broadly speaking (very broadly), JS frameworks will do the heavy lifting when it comes to binding your data to your mark-up. You, typically, have a model of data, and you have some mark-up to which you'd like to bind it. You can achieve this in JS yourself if you wish, but a framework will cater for it most of the time.

Some JS frameworks also deal with routing to help with the notion of a 'single page app'.

There are many more advantages, specific to the framework.

That said, I am very conscious of the impact a JS framework can have when it's overkill. Not only is there a period of time when your developers may need to skill-up and gain some experience in order to get the most out of the framework, but a framework can often enforce, or at least encourage, you to work within it's paradigm and conventions - whatever they may be. Not necessarily a disadvantage, if you require that structure in your solution (which is why I'm mentioning it in response to 'advantages').

I'm having trouble defining a line for when client side should be used compared to the server-side rendering. - run through your requirements and, maybe as part of the estimation process, think in a little more detail what your approach would be to tackling them. If you find yourself reinventing the wheel based on what a JS framework can offer, then go for a JS framework. If you're unsure what a JS framework can offer, look into them more. Sounds like you've chosen some good frameworks as a starting point for research.

Answer 2

There are several benefits to use client side JS over server side. One is it scales easier than server side, another is its ability to render faster since it doesn't have to send data between client and server that often as a server side solution need.

On the other hand, a heavier client takes longer to load in the beginning, especially over poor network. It really depends on the intended audience, and what network they usually have.