React.js Server Side Rendering with Java [Without Node.js]
If you’re considering migrating your application from pure JSP/JQuery to React.js for maintainability, you might have come across the benefits of server side rendering offered by React.js. However, most examples and tutorials on server side rendering utilize Node.js as the server side solution. But what if you are currently using Tomcat and not inclined to deploy Node.js just for server side rendering? In this blog post, we’ll explore alternatives to achieve server side rendering with React.js on Tomcat without relying on Node.js.
Why Avoid Running JavaScript on the JVM?
Before we delve into the alternatives, it’s important to understand why running JavaScript on the JVM might not be the best approach. While it is technically possible to render a JavaScript app server side without Node.js, it can be a challenging and cumbersome task. JavaScript is primarily designed to run in a browser environment, and attempting to run it within a JVM can come with a range of issues and limitations. It can also be quite error-prone, making the overall development and maintenance process more difficult.
Alternative Approaches to Server Side Rendering
1. PhantomJS
One option for achieving server side rendering without Node.js is by using PhantomJS. PhantomJS is a headless browser that allows you to execute JavaScript code and render web pages without the need for a browser window. You can leverage PhantomJS to render the complete client side of your application server side. Although it technically doesn’t require Node.js, it still involves running a separate tool alongside your Tomcat server.
2. xvfb and Chrome on *nix
Another approach is using xvfb and Chrome on *nix systems. xvfb (X virtual framebuffer) allows you to run graphical applications in a virtualized environment without the need for a physical display. By combining xvfb with Google Chrome, you can render the JavaScript app server side. While this approach doesn’t directly involve Node.js, it still requires additional dependencies and configuration.
Reactive Server Pages
If you’re open to exploring a different server side rendering mechanism altogether, you might consider Reactive Server Pages. Reactive Server Pages allows you to build real-time single-page web applications in a reactive style without relying on Node.js. It follows a similar approach to frameworks like Elixir Phoenix Live View or Scala Korolev. With Reactive Server Pages, you can achieve server side rendering in plain Java, eliminating the need for Node.js completely.
However, it’s important to note that Reactive Server Pages might have a learning curve and might not have the same level of community support and resources as traditional React.js server side rendering with Node.js.
Conclusion
While server side rendering with React.js is often associated with Node.js, there are alternatives available for those who prefer to stick with their existing Java-based infrastructure. Whether it’s using PhantomJS, xvfb and Chrome, or exploring frameworks like Reactive Server Pages, you have options to achieve server side rendering without introducing Node.js into your stack. Consider the pros and cons of each approach and choose the one that best fits your specific requirements and constraints.
