Blazor is a web framework developed by Microsoft that allows developers to create web applications using C# and .NET. It offers several deployment options, including Blazor Server, Blazor WebAssembly, Blazor Hybrid, and Blazor United. Each option has its own unique characteristics and is designed to meet different needs. In this article, we will explore the differences between these deployment options.
Blazor Server:
Blazor Server is a web application that runs on the server using ASP.NET and works with SignalR to synchronize changes in real-time. With this option, the server is responsible for rendering the user interface and processing the user interactions. The advantage of Blazor Server is that it requires less client-side processing power, making it a good option for applications with low-latency requirements.
Recommended for:
- Applications that need high security
- Applications that process a lot of data
- Applications that connect with many external services (Like cloud services)
Blazor WebAssembly:
Blazor WebAssembly is a web application that runs entirely in the browser using WebAssembly. This option provides a more responsive user interface since the client is responsible for rendering and processing the user interactions. Developers can take advantage of the ability for the app to run offline on desktops through the use of Progressive Web Apps (PWA). The downside is that it requires more client-side processing power and has slower initial load times compared to Blazor Server.
Recommended for:
- Dashboard and monitoring applications
- Stores and marketplaces
- Real-time apps like chats and streaming
Blazor Hybrid:
Blazor Hybrid is a multi-platform Blazor application running with .NET MAUI that provides multi-platform support. It allows developers to create hybrid mobile applications that run on iOS, Android, and Windows, using the same codebase. Blazor Hybrid is a great choice for developers who aim to develop cross-platform mobile apps, as it merges the advantages of Blazor WebAssembly and native mobile development.
Recommended for:
- Simple applications that need multi-platform support
- Applications that need access to the device's capabilities.
- Developer's team expert at Blazor that need to create apps
Blazor United (experimental):
Blazor United is an experimental version of Blazor that combines the benefits of Blazor Server and Blazor WebAssembly. This option allows developers to choose whether to run the application on the server or in the client. It provides the advantages of Blazor Server for low-latency requirements and the advantages of Blazor WebAssembly for responsive user interfaces.
Recommended for:
- Simple applications that need multi-platform support
- Applications that need high security
- Applications that process a lot of data
NOTE: Since this is a new experimental version, this is not recommended for large projects.
Blazor offers developers several deployment options to create web applications using C# and .NET. Blazor Server is ideal for low-latency applications, while Blazor WebAssembly offers a more responsive user interface and can run on desktops and offline via PWA. Blazor Hybrid allows developers to create cross-platform mobile applications, and Blazor United combines the benefits of Blazor Server and Blazor WebAssembly. The choice of deployment option depends on the specific requirements of the application being developed.