Build a Multi-Page React Application

Introduction to MPAs (15 minutes)

• What are MPAs? Multi-Page Applications are web applications that consist of multiple distinct pages. Each page typically has its own URL and is loaded separately from the server. This contrasts with Single-Page Applications (SPAs) where all content is loaded on a single page and dynamically updated.

• Characteristics of MPAs:

  • Multiple HTML pages.

  • Navigation via links between pages.

  • Full page reloads on navigation.

  • Server-side rendering is common.

• Examples of MPAs: Traditional websites, e-commerce platforms, blogs (often older implementations).

• Advantages of MPAs:

  • SEO-friendly: Each page can be optimized for specific keywords, improving search engine visibility.

  • Simpler initial load: Smaller page sizes can lead to faster initial load times, especially important for content-heavy sites.

  • Easier to develop (historically): The traditional web development model aligns well with MPAs.

• Disadvantages of MPAs:

  • Slower navigation: Full page reloads can create a less fluid user experience compared to SPAs.

  • More complex development (in some ways): Managing data and state across multiple pages can be more challenging. Requires more server-side logic.

  • Increased server load: Each page request hits the server.

MPA Architecture and Technologies (30 minutes)

• Traditional Approach (Server-Side Rendering):

  • The server handles routing and rendering HTML for each page.

  • Technologies: Server-side languages (e.g., Python, PHP, Java, Node.js), templating engines (e.g., Jinja2, EJS), databases.

• Modern Approach (Client-Side Routing with Frameworks):

  • While technically still MPAs because of separate HTML files, some frameworks provide client-side routing to enhance the user experience. They minimize full page reloads for certain navigations.

  • Technologies: Modern JavaScript frameworks (e.g., React with React Router, Vue.js with Vue Router), build tools (e.g., Webpack).

• Hybrid Approach: Combining server-side rendering for initial load and SEO with client-side routing for smoother navigation within sections of the application.

MPA Development Workflow (30 minutes)

• Planning: Define the structure of your application, the different pages, and how they will be linked. Consider user flows and information architecture.

• Design: Create wireframes and mockups to visualize the layout and user interface of each page.

• Development: Implement the front-end (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and back-end (server-side logic, database interaction) of each page.

• Testing: Thoroughly test each page and the navigation between them to ensure functionality and usability.

• Deployment: Deploy the application to a web server.

MPAs vs. SPAs (20 minutes)

• Key Differences: Discuss the core differences in architecture, navigation, and user experience.

• When to choose MPAs: SEO-critical applications, large content-heavy websites, situations where initial load time is paramount, simpler projects where the complexity of an SPA might be overkill.

• When to choose SPAs: Applications requiring a highly interactive and dynamic user experience, dashboards, complex web applications where data needs to be updated frequently without page reloads.

Advanced MPA Concepts (25 minutes)

• State Management: Discuss how to manage data and state across multiple pages. Techniques include server-side sessions, URL parameters, local storage (with limitations), and for enhanced MPAs, client-side state management libraries (if using a framework).

• Code Organization: Emphasize the importance of well-structured code, especially in larger MPAs. Modularization and separation of concerns are crucial.

• Performance Optimization: Strategies for optimizing MPA performance, such as caching, image optimization, and minimizing HTTP requests.

Q&A (10 minutes)