JavaScript Interview Question #172

What is client-side routing?

Performance, Browser APIs, Rendering & Modern Web Architecture Senior Advanced

Quick Interview Answer

Client-side routing maps URL paths to application views without requiring a complete document reload for every navigation. It is common in single-page applications.

Detailed Explanation

Client-side routing maps URL paths to application views without requiring a complete document reload for every navigation. It is common in single-page applications.

A router usually coordinates the History API, link handling, data loading, rendering, and back/forward navigation. Production systems also need server fallback configuration and should preserve accessibility, meaningful URLs, and appropriate loading/error states.

Code Example

function navigate(path) {
    history.pushState({}, "", path);
    renderRoute(path);
}

window.addEventListener("popstate", () => {
    renderRoute(window.location.pathname);
});