Single Page Application
A web application that loads a single HTML page and dynamically updates content.
Definition
A Single Page Application (SPA) is a web application that loads a single HTML page initially and then dynamically updates content as users interact, rather than loading entirely new pages from the server. JavaScript handles routing, state management, and content rendering.
Frameworks like React, Vue, and Angular are commonly used to build SPAs. The approach provides app-like experiences with smooth transitions but requires careful handling of SEO and initial load performance.
Why It Matters
SPAs can deliver responsive, app-like experiences on the web. However, they introduce complexity around SEO, initial load performance, and JavaScript dependency.
Understanding SPA architecture helps teams choose between traditional and single-page approaches.
Examples in Practice
Gmail's interface updating seamlessly as users navigate between inbox, compose, and settings.
React Router handling client-side navigation without full page reloads.
Server-side rendering hybrid approaches addressing SPA SEO and performance challenges.