[Sorry Mark, I came in late.]

SSR = server side rendering

Create an app.module.ts and an app.server.module.ts

• Static SSR is done at build time.
• Dynamic SSR is done at run time.

SSR gotchas:

• If you use window or document, the server does not know what to do: this only lives in the browser. If you must, create a WindowService and use dependency injection to provide different versions. Use isPlatformBrowser() as much as possible. Hide things from node. Not all parts need a server version.
• Be careful with timeouts, because they will let your server wait.

Conclusion:

• Universal makes SEO possible.
• Universal gives really fast initial painting of your app, and you keep the interactivity. Can be two to three times faster on mobile.
• Be mindful of browser-specific things you might be using in your code.
• Choose third party libraries carefully, as they need to be mindful of the pitfalls as well.
• It takes a bit of work, but it is worth it

Further reading:

• Code: https://github.com/angular/universal
• Twitter: @MarkPieszak, which will get a link to the slides soon.