I'm working on a feedback widget or chat widget SaaS, and I'm trying to figure out the best way for users to install it on their pages. Should the installation script inject an iframe from my site, or should it build the widget directly using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript? I've seen both methods used and I'm wondering if the choice depends on the complexity of the widget. For simpler widgets, would it be better to inject it directly so it loads faster and has better access to the parent page? But for more complex widgets, is an iframe the way to go since it allows more control over content and easier use of UI frameworks?
5 Answers
For simple widgets that don't require isolation, direct injection via HTML/CSS/JS works best—it loads faster and allows for better integration. But for complex widgets that need encapsulation or handle sensitive data, iframes are definitely safer.
I've been working a lot with custom elements lately, and I recommend either that approach or just building the widget from a script. It can simplify the implementation.
Consider using Svelte! Users can just embed a script tag with the compiled app, and it can append itself to the body. You might even compile it into a web component for easier management.
Using an iframe is usually the easier route for development since it prevents CSS conflicts from the parent site. It also allows for more complex interactions, like forms, without the risk of messing up the host page's styles.
If you think users might want to change the widget's styling to fit their branding, you should avoid iframes unless you provide a way for them to add their own styles internally. It's crucial to remain flexible.
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