Server-side templating is the process of using templates, which are typically written in HTML or a specialized templating language, to generate HTML markup on the server. These templates contain placeholders that are replaced with actual data from a database or other data sources during the rendering process.
With server-side templating, the logic for generating the markup resides on the server. This approach allows developers to separate the presentation logic from the actual data, improving code maintainability and reusability. It also enables efficient caching and reduces the load on client devices.
Dynamic content generation, on the other hand, involves generating content on the server in real-time. This can be done based on user input, such as filling out a form or selecting options, or other factors like the user’s location or preferences. The server retrieves data from databases or external APIs and dynamically generates the content to be sent back to the client.
By generating content dynamically, websites and applications can display personalized and up-to-date information to users. For example, an e-commerce website can show products related to a user’s browsing history or recommend items based on their preferences. This enhances the user experience and helps drive engagement and conversions.