Why Rendering Strategies Focus on Data, Not HTML: A Developer's Guide

React rendering strategies, such as Single-Page Apps (SPA), Server-Side Rendering (SSR), Static Site Generation (SSG), and React Server Components (RSC), are best understood through the lens of when data fetching occurs, rather than where HTML is generated. By focusing on data-timing, developers can predict the implications for bundle size, First Contentful Paint (FCP), and SEO, as these aspects are direct consequences of the chosen data-fetching strategy. Most applications mix different data-timing approaches on the same page to match content freshness needs, audience requirements, and computational efficiency. This data-first framework helps simplify the decision-making process, transforming what often feels like a memorization task into a straightforward consideration of data behavior, ultimately guiding developers in choosing the most suitable rendering strategy and tools for their specific requirements.