Single page application (SPA)

Single page application (SPA) is a web application presented to the user through a single HTML page. This allows them to be more responsive and to replicate a desktop application or a native app more closely. A single-page app can use all the application’s HTML, JavaScript and CSS code on the initial load or can load resources dynamically to update in response to user interactions or other events.

Main advantages of using SPAs:

  • They are fast because most of their resources are only loaded once throughout the application’s lifespan. They only transmit the data back and forth.
  • They can be developed easily and streamlined. You don’t need to write the entire code to render pages on the server. It is much easier to start because you can usually kick off development from a file without using any server.
  • They are easy to debug using a web browser because you can monitor network operations and investigate page elements and associated data.
  • They can be easily created because the developer can reuse the same backend code for web and native mobile applications.
  • They can cache any local storage effectively. An application sends only one request and stores all data. Then, it can use this data to work offline.

Find out more about single page applications on the Piwik PRO blog: 3 ways to track single-page applications (SPAs) with Tag Manager: a step-by-step guide


  • Anonymous website visitor tracking: How to do useful analytics without personal data [Updated]

    Regulations worldwide, like GDPR or the ePrivacy Regulation, set a high bar for collecting user data. For one, GDPR requires consent to process the data if it’s reasonably likely that such data could be used to identify an individual. The problem is that consent opt-in rates typically vary between 30% and 70-80%. The solution? Anonymizing…

  • What is PII, non-PII, and personal data? [UPDATED]

    Personally identifiable information (PII) and personal data are two classifications of data that often confuse organizations that collect, store and analyze such data. Both terms cover common ground, classifying information that could reveal an individual’s identity directly or indirectly. PII is used in the US, but no specific legal document defines it. The legal system…