JavaScript History API vs Hash-Based Routing

Developers should learn the History API when building single-page applications (SPAs) or dynamic web apps that require smooth, client-side navigation without full page reloads, such as in React, Vue, or Angular projects meets developers should use hash-based routing when building spas that need to support deep linking and browser history without server-side configuration, as it relies solely on client-side javascript and doesn't require server support for routing. Here's our take.

JavaScript History API

Nice Pick

Developers should learn the History API when building single-page applications (SPAs) or dynamic web apps that require smooth, client-side navigation without full page reloads, such as in React, Vue, or Angular projects

Pros

• It is essential for implementing features like routing, bookmarkable URLs, and maintaining state across navigation, improving user experience by making web apps feel more responsive and native-like
• Related to: javascript, single-page-applications

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Hash-Based Routing

Developers should use hash-based routing when building SPAs that need to support deep linking and browser history without server-side configuration, as it relies solely on client-side JavaScript and doesn't require server support for routing

Pros

• It's ideal for applications hosted on static file servers or CDNs where server-side routing isn't feasible, such as in GitHub Pages or simple web apps
• Related to: single-page-applications, javascript-routing

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. JavaScript History API is a library while Hash-Based Routing is a concept. We picked JavaScript History API based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

JavaScript History API wins

Based on overall popularity. JavaScript History API is more widely used, but Hash-Based Routing excels in its own space.