Single-Page Applications (SPAs) – How Relevant Are They In 2024?

When it comes to building a webpage, professional developers usually have two kinds of architectural approaches. The Single-Page Application (SPA) approach, or the Multi-Page Application (MPA) approach.

Both of these web applications have their share of features, benefits, and drawbacks that characterize their differences. However, in this blog, we will talk about the relevancy of Single-Page Application(SPA) in the current web design and development scenario.

So, fasten your seat belts, and let’s roll!

What Is SPA?

Before going any further into addressing the topic, let’s just take a while and understand what single-page web applications are, and what they do.

When you open any website, you might see the small circle rotating vigorously at the top right corner of your cursor. And this goes on until the site’s fully loaded, right?

Now think of a website that handles smoothly like any other application! With just a click, it would start to update content instantly without loading the whole webpage. That’s the USP of SPAs. They load everything upfront and use JavaScript to update content behind the scenes, making them perfect for interactive applications. This brings us to our next question-

Are SPAs Relevant in 2024?

Yes definitely! But before going into technicalities, some examples would help make you understand its relevancy.

Do you binge-watch your favorite shows on Netflix? Use Gmail? Resort to Google Maps while riding your motorcycle across unknown highways? Share your thoughts on Facebook or Twitter?

If you belong to any one of the above categories- congratulations! You already use SPAs without even being aware of it! So, SPA is surely a relevant thing in 2024, and will retain its relevancy for years to come because of three basic reasons-

• Quick Responsiveness– Clicks update content instantly, with no waiting for page reloads.
• Engaging Flow– Seamless navigation keeps users focused and interacting.
• Seamless Scalability- Well-built SPAs can grow smoothly with new features.

How Does An SPA Framework Help?

SPA frameworks are basically pre-built libraries. While building a webpage, starting from scratch can be tedious! These frameworks provide definitive structure, functionalities, and tools to streamline the whole procedure.

Following are some of the ways how using a SPA framework can be beneficial-

• Helps Speed-Up Coding Process

Frameworks provide pre-built blocks or structures. These help coders save their valuable time and effort significantly.

• Enables Code Reusability

You can easily reuse codes through specially designed modules. This assists in lessening development time, along with helping to a cleaner codebase.

• Better Scalability

Frameworks help build well-structured SPAs. This enhances its scalability as the application grows more and more complex.

Quick Note: Keeping aside the SPA, web design and development is a vast sector. Added to that, building and designing a website is a difficult job to pull off. So, consider being aware of the challenges of web design before plunging too deep.

Which Is A Better Choice- SPA or MPA?

Both of the applications remain dominant with their own sets of benefits and features. And coming to the question- it depends on your specific needs and requirements.

But if you still want to linger in the fight between which is the better one in Single Page Application vs Multi-Page Application, here are some logical reasons to stop the fight.

Choose the SPA framework if you-

• Prefer and prioritize a lightning-fast and interactive experience for complex applications.
• Have the necessary resources to develop and maintain a JavaScript framework.

Choose MPA if you-

• Need compatibility with older browsers.
• Prefer a traditional development approach.
• Deal with content-rich applications that need strong visibility.

Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day, whichever application matches your particular specifications is the one you are going to go with. Both applications have their own set of features that work best with variable web settings. So, choose wisely!