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Cloud-based applications are experiencing tremendous growth. The global cloud applications market is projected to reach $947.3 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 14.2% from 2022 to 2027. It’s an ideal time to catch up with the trend and think about creating an app. However, you should choose between SPA vs. MPA before putting your mind and money into it.
What is SPA?
A Single Page Application, also known as SPA, is a type of web application that allows you to work on one HTML page. Thanks to AJAX technology, it’s possible to display content without reloading the page when a person uses it. When employed, this code, which typically depends on JavaScript frameworks, guarantees the high speed of the SPA.
Some typical examples of SPAs can be listed as navigation apps, many social media platforms and email providers, etc.
Pros of SPAs
- Easy Conversion to PWAs: Single Page Applications (SPAs) can easily become Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) thanks to their HTML shell structure.
- Offline Functionality: SPAs use a JavaScript shell to preload pages, enabling offline access through cached data.
- Single Request for Data: When using an SPA, you only need to send one request to the server. The SPA stores all the necessary information, allowing users free access to it offline.
- JavaScript-Based Development: SPAs rely on JavaScript, simplifying development and maintenance with tools like React Native.
- Smooth Operations: SPAs separate frontend (HTML, JavaScript) from backend frameworks, reducing performance risks.
Cons of SPAs
- SEO Challenges: SPAs are harder to optimize for search engines than MPAs, especially older ones. They load content dynamically with JavaScript, which makes indexing harder. Modern techniques, however, are helping to address this issue.
- Longer Initial Load Times: SPAs take longer to load initially due to the large amount of JavaScript required. This can frustrate users with slow connections or limited patience.
- Increased Development Complexity: SPAs are more complex to build than MPAs. They need specialized JavaScript skills and careful architecture, increasing costs and development time.
- Potential for Memory Leaks: SPAs store all data and logic in the browser’s memory, risking leaks and performance issues without proper optimization.
- Security Concerns: SPAs are more vulnerable to attacks since they expose more code and data on the client-side.
- Dependence on JavaScript: SPAs rely heavily on JavaScript, causing issues for users who disable it. JavaScript errors can also break the entire app.
What is MPA?
As the name implies, a multi-page application (or MPA) comprises numerous web pages downloaded when users access various website areas. This is a standard web app development approach for websites that need to handle large amounts of content.
Specifically, the server provides all the necessary resources (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) for a new page when the user clicks. A loading symbol spins in the browser during this transition, after which the new one replaces the entire application flashes and the old page. You can be familiar with this from eBay or Amazon.
Pros of MPAs
- Stronger SEO Performance: MPAs are generally easier to optimize for search engines due to server-side rendering and distinct URLs for each page.
- Improved Scalability: MPAs can handle extensive amounts of information without performance issues. Developers can easily add new pages or update existing ones without affecting the overall application, making it ideal for large-scale businesses or services.
- Faster Initial Load Time: Because of their smaller initial payloads, MPAs often load faster initially than SPAs.
- Wider Browser Compatibility: MPAs are compatible with older browsers and systems.
- Enhanced Security: Some sources suggest that MPAs have better security.
- Strong Data Analytics Support: One source claims that MPAs offer superior data analytics support.
Cons of MPAs
- Slower performance (Post-Initial Load): Each page load requires a complete server request, leading to potentially slower navigation.
- More complex development and maintenance: MPAs can be more complex to develop and maintain than SPAs, especially for large applications.
- Higher server load: Increased server load occurs due to frequent full page requests.
- Limited code reusability: MPAs may have less code reusability than SPAs.
Examples of SPA frameworks and MPA technologies
Popular SPA Frameworks
Single-page applications (SPAs) are built using frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js. These frameworks help developers create dynamic and interactive user interfaces that can update content without needing to reload the entire page.
Popular MPA Technologies
For multi-page applications (MPAs), common technologies include PHP, Java, and Ruby on Rails. These technologies use server-side rendering, meaning the server creates the HTML for each page and sends it to the user’s browser.
Hybrid Solutions
There are also hybrid solutions that combine features of both SPAs and MPAs. Examples include Laravel Livewire, Ruby on Rails Hotwire, and Vaadin. These hybrid approaches aim to provide the advantages of both architectures, allowing developers to select the best method for different parts of their applications.
Differences between SPA and MPA
Understanding the difference between SPA and PWA is crucial for making an informed decision about which architecture to use for your project. The following table summarizes these distinctions between SPAs and MPAs in terms of speed, security, usability, and development complexity.
| Feature | Single-Page Application (SPA) | Multi-Page Application (MPA) |
| Speed | Generally faster after initial load; preloads resources. | Slower due to full page reloads for each new request. |
| Loading Method | Loads a single HTML page and updates content dynamically. | Loads a new HTML page for each interaction. |
| User Experience | Provides a seamless and interactive experience without reloads. | Results in slower transitions and perceived delays. |
| Performance | Fast performance after initial load, as only data is fetched. | Generally has faster initial load times for individual pages. |
| Security | Quick to secure endpoints but often has poor security quality; susceptible to attacks due to reliance on JavaScript. | More secure due to server-side rendering, mitigating some security risks. |
| Use Case Example | Suitable for highly interactive applications (e.g., web apps). | Effective for complex websites like e-commerce (e.g., Amazon). |
| Offline Capabilities | Offers offline functionality through caching and service workers. | Limited offline capabilities; generally requires an internet connection. |
| Development Complexity | More complex to develop; requires knowledge of AJAX and JavaScript frameworks. | Typically less complex; can be developed using traditional techniques. |
| SEO Optimization | Can struggle with SEO due to dynamic content loading. | Better SEO capabilities as each page can be indexed separately. |
| Information Architecture | Less structured; may have limitations on content organization. | Clear navigation and structure, allowing extensive content organization. |
How Long Do They Take to Develop?
SPA’s front and back ends are isolated from one another, allowing them to be created concurrently, which speeds up development time. On the other hand, since MPAs are a little bit more sophisticated, they often take longer to mature. Developers of MPA must employ frameworks for either the client-side or server-side, which increases development time.
How To Choose Which App Will Work Best In Your Case?
Both approaches enable you to create a more intricate website that resembles a native app. So what makes them different from one another, and how to make the final choice? The following criteria will evaluate based on your demands.
SEO Friendliness
As previously noted, SEO is one of the SPA’s shortcomings. Sadly, they aren’t as search engine friendly as MPA’s. The main reason is that most single-page applications use JavaScript, which few search engines support.
With MPA, optimizing each page for a separate keyword is possible, improving website positioning. Additionally, meta tags can be added to any page, which benefits Google rankings.
As a result, if you want to focus on SEO, MPA will be the winner here.
User Experience
It’s essential to remember that SPA is more mobile-friendly because a large portion of traffic originates from mobile devices. Even Google began to place a higher priority on mobile than on desktop. You can create mobile apps using frameworks used in the building of SPA.
On the other hand, MPA makes it possible for better information architecture. There are no limitations on the number of pages you may make or how much material you can include on a single page. Straightforward navigation makes it easy for users to navigate the website, enhancing their experience.
Security & Vulnerabilities
You must secure every website if you choose to become an MPA. In contrast, all you need to do in a SPA to protect your page is secure data endpoints faster, albeit not necessarily safer. Because SPA uses JavaScript, which doesn’t undergo code compilation and is hence more susceptible to infection, they are more vulnerable to hacker assaults.
Scalability
Regarding scalability, it’s undoubted to say thay MPA can be scaled virtually endlessly. Simply increase the server-side resources to add additional content and as many new pages as you want.
On the other hand, SPA is not inherently scalable for apparent reasons. You can only convey so much on a single page.
Ease of Development
Due to their complexity and size, MPA takes longer to develop than SPA.
Besides, the front-end and back-end of SPA can develop simultaneously because there is a clear separation between them, which expedites the entire development process. Because the server side typically needs to be built from scratch, creating an MPA is more challenging and takes longer to develop.
Another problem with MPAs is that you have to write the code for them from scratch.
On the other hand, the reusable backend code is one of the SPAs’ most prominent benefits. The code for your online app can also be used for native mobile apps. Applications and websites are commonly utilized on mobile devices, which is not surprising given that most of us are always on the go.
Not yet; as said before, you can convert SPA to progressive web apps (PWAs) easily. Indeed, a PWA ensures good performance, a high level of security, and the flexibility to work online or offline (with some tweaks made throughout the development process). Moreover, PWA can run both online and offline. PWA also provides the option of adding a shortcut to the application, making it simple for users to access it once more by showing up on their desktop or screen.
Although it appears that SPA will continue to be popular, more and more businesses, including industry leaders, prefer PWA. Thus, why not follow them?
Ideally, for your Magento website, Simicart can set up a headless Progressive Web App (PWA) storefront to provide the most outstanding mobile shopping experience. We can also switch out your present Magento 2 front end with a quick and fluid PWA if you haven’t had it.
In contrast, suppose you already have a Magento PWA. We may modify it to meet your needs.
>>> Creating a new, headless Magento 2 PWA website loads significantly faster with Simicart NOW!
Speed
Speed is a crucial aspect of an e-commerce store. SPA will load faster. Why? Because most app resources are loaded just once. Every time a user requests new data, the website doesn’t completely reload.
When a user wants to access new data or navigates to a different website area, MPA is slower since the browser has to reload the entire page from the beginning. An ideal webpage loading time is 0.4 seconds.
As a result, a SPA is a better solution if your website or app has a lot of images.
FAQs
What is difference between PWA vs SPA?
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) use modern web technologies for an app-like experience. They feature service workers for offline use and push notifications and can be installed on devices. Single Page Applications (SPAs) load a single HTML page and update content dynamically. While SPAs offer smooth user experiences, PWAs are more secure and better optimized for SEO.
What is MPA frontend?
The MPA frontend consists of multiple HTML pages. Each page reloads separately, making it suitable for content-heavy websites like e-commerce and blogs, where SEO optimization is crucial.
Is Google Maps SPA or MPA?
Google Maps is primarily considered a Single Page Application (SPA) because it dynamically updates the map and content without requiring full page reloads. Users can interact with the map, search for locations, and view details without navigating away from the initial page.
Which is the best type of SPA?
The best SPA depends on use case. React or Vue.js are ideal for interactive apps with real-time updates. Combining SPAs with PWA features enhances offline access and speeds.
SPA vs MPA cost
In terms of development costs, SPAs are generally more cost-effective than MPAs due to their simpler architecture and the ability for front-end and back-end developers to work in parallel. Building an SPA typically ranges from $1,500 to $12,000, while MPAs can be more expensive due to their complexity and need for multiple pages.
Conclusion
As you can see, it is not necessary to decide between SPA vs. MPA, which is better because each architecture has advantages and disadvantages of its own. It involves choosing the solution that best fits a given set of business requirements.
To choose what is truly ideal for your company, you should assess your needs, consider your business objectives, target market, and available resources, and then base your choice on those considerations.
Please contact us if you have any queries about this subject. We will be happy to assist you!
