--- title: "How does Knockout.js handle routing in single-page applications (SPA)?" description: "How does Knockout.js handle routing in single-page applications (SPA)?" author: "Revati S Misra" published: 2024-06-26 updated: 2024-06-26 canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/160791/how-does-knockout-js-handle-routing-in-single-page-applications-spa category: "knockcout js" tags: ["javascript", "knockout.js", "knockout.js routing"] reading_time: 3 minutes --- # How does Knockout.js handle routing in single-page applications (SPA)? How does [Knockout.js](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/160797/conditional-html-heading-tag-based-on-variable-in-knockout-js) [handle routing in single-page](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/112186/how-do-i-handle-routing-in-single-page-applications-spas) [applications](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/12847/how-to-choose-the-right-ethernet-cable-for-industrial-applications) ([SPA](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/44772/5-ways-software-use-can-transform-spa-salon-businesses))? ## Replies ### Reply by Ashutosh Patel #### Knockout.js Routing Knockout.js itself does not have built-in [routing](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/11998/attribute-routing-in-asp-dot-net-mvc) capabilities like some other SPA frameworks (e.g., Angular, React with React Router). However, you can add routing to Knockout.js applications by using libraries or using custom solutions. Here’s how you can get closer. ## Third-party libraries Use libraries like `Sammy.js` or `Durandal.js` (which builds on top of **Knockout.js** and provides routing among other things). These libraries help in routing in your Knockout.js application. - **Sammy.js-** Sammy.js is a lightweight JavaScript framework that provides routing capabilities. It can be integrated with Knockout.js to [handle](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/311004/suede-skillet-handle-cover) navigation and routing within the SPA. - **Durandal.js-** Durandal is a comprehensive framework designed for SPAs. Includes routing, composition, and other out-of-the-box features. It works well with Knockout.js and provides a structured way to manage navigation and navigation. ## Manual Routing Use manual routing using Knockout.js observables and bindings. This involves creating single-[page](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/13031/why-to-make-a-wikipedia-page) applications where different views (templates) are shown depending on the current route. - **Observable for Current Route-** Monitor observables on your visual model to monitor current route or view state. - **Bindings for navigation-** Use Knockout.js bindings (**if**, **visible**, **templates**) to conditionally render your SPA components based on the current path or state. ## Example- simple example of manual routing with knockout.js ```html Knockout.js Routing Example

Home Page

Welcome to the home page!

About Page

Learn more about us!

Contact Page

``` ## In the example above- - `AppViewModel` manages the current route using `currentRoute` observable. - Navigation links (`` tags) are bound to `goToPage` function to update the `currentRoute`. - Different sections (`

`s) are shown/hidden based on the current value of `currentRoute`.\ ## Output- ![How does Knockout.js handle routing in single-page applications (SPA)?](https://www.mindstick.com/mindstickforums/aaa605de-a35d-444b-b349-b65c2c06123e/images/80c3a464-efb1-475b-a4c2-05a13da20273.jpg) This method gives you basic routing functionality in the Knockout.js application. For more complex information (such as nested routes, routing parameters, etc.), using a dedicated routing library such as **Sammy.js** or **Durandal.js** may be more appropriate --- Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/160791/how-does-knockout-js-handle-routing-in-single-page-applications-spa Copyright © MindStick Software Pvt. Ltd. This Markdown version is provided for developers, AI systems, and offline reading.