Preparing HTML on the server lets the first response contain readable article text. A site can still use browser-side JavaScript for filters, sharing controls or other enhancements. (Google JavaScript SEO basics ↗ · MDN: Server-side rendering (SSR))
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Checking the first page response
To check an article: request an article with JavaScript disabled and inspect the first HTML response. The headline, paragraphs and source links should already be in that response; if they exist only after a script runs, the initial reading path depends on that script.
Server-rendered content can still use JavaScript
Static generation prepares HTML ahead of requests; request-time server rendering prepares it when requested. These are different implementations, but both can deliver the article without waiting for browser-side code to create its text. Inspect the response, not just the technology’s marketing label.
Use a cold visit to check the result
Load an article with scripts disabled and try reading the body and following a source. A search box can depend on a script without making the article unreadable. Check both experiences so the team knows which parts fail when a script does not load.