Single Page Applications and Multi-page Applications have both advantages and disadvantages. So, depending on what you need a website for, you may choose to have either built. Here are the descriptions and major differences of Single Page Applications and Multi-page Applications!
What is a Single Page Application?
Bloomreach defines a single page application as a single web page where most of the information stays the same at one time, and only a few pieces need to be updated. For example, the sidebar and header may stay the same. With each click, the SPA only sends you what you need to use as you need to use it. This piece-by-piece method makes loading times much faster for users and reduces the amount of information the server must send.
What is a Multi-Page Application?
ACDI states a multi-page application has multiple web pages, each with different URLs. Each web page contains information that links to its other web pages. These web pages may contain the same content, such as the header. The browser reloads the contents of a web page completely when you visit another page, which means it has to download all the resources again. MPAs were the first ways of developing websites and, as a result, developers have lots of experience creating multipage applications!
Single Page Applications and Multi-Page Applications
Major Differences
| SPAs | MPAs | |
| Speed | · Initial load time can be high
· Fast speeds after loading |
· Comparatively slow
· Requires good connection especially if web pages include lots of graphical elements |
| Cross Platform | · Cross-platform
· Can be used for mobile or desktop applications |
· Can be cross-platform if built from right framework
· Same code can’t be reused for mobile apps |
| Offline | · Works offline once loaded as can cache | · Requires internet connection to function |
| Memory Leaks | · Can run for hours
· High energy consumption |
· Reloaded frequently
· Less chance of memory leaks |
| Security | · Hard to secure against cyber attacks | · Can be protected against vulnerabilities |
| When to Use | · Planning to build mobile apps
· Not using SEO · Closed community requiring logins · Social networks |
· SEO-friendly platforms
· eCommerce stores · Product websites · Blogs |
| Examples | · PayPal
· Gmail |
· eBay
· Amazon · Google Docs |
