Sitecore XM Cloud and JavaScript Services (JSS) are a dream team when it comes to building modern, scalable, and headless applications. Imagine having the freedom to develop with your favorite JavaScript framework — React, Angular, Vue — while XM Cloud takes care of the heavy lifting in the backend. The result? A fast, flexible, and future-proof digital experience.
If you’re ready to go headless with Sitecore, let’s dive into the process step by step!
Step 1: Set Up Your XM Cloud and JSS Environment
First things first—you need to get your environment ready.
1. Log into XM Cloud – Head over to the XM Cloud portal, where you’ll set up your environment and get everything rolling.
2. Install the required tools – You’ll need the Sitecore CLI and JSS CLI to interact with your project and deploy it smoothly. Run the following in your terminal:
npm install -g @sitecore-jss/sitecore-jss-cli
npm install -g @sitecore/cli
Step 2: Initialize Your JSS App
Now that your environment is set, it’s time to get your app up and running.
1. Create a new JSS app using your favorite framework. For example, if you’re working with React, run:
jss create my-app react
2. Connect it to XM Cloud by configuring the scjssconfig.json file with your XM Cloud instance details.
Step 3: Develop Your Headless Components
Here’s where the magic happens—building out your actual site! Since this is a headless setup, your frontend will consume content from Sitecore’s API.
1. Create reusable UI components in React, Angular, or Vue.
2. Fetch dynamic content using Sitecore’s GraphQL API. For example, a simple query might look like this:
query {
layout(site: "my-app", routePath: "/") {
item {
name
}
}
}
Step 4: Deploy to XM Cloud
Now it’s time to get your app live!
1. Run the following to push your app to XM Cloud:
jss deploy
2. XM Cloud will automatically sync your app with content and layout changes—no downtime, no hassle.
Step 5: Manage Content Like a Pro
One of the biggest perks of using Sitecore XM Cloud is the effortless content management experience.
- Use the XM Cloud dashboard to create, edit, and preview content in real-time.
- Changes reflect instantly on the live site—no rebuilds required!
Why JSS and XM Cloud?
Now, you might be wondering—why go headless with JSS and XM Cloud? Here’s why:
✅ Scalability – Cloud-native infrastructure means your site runs fast anywhere in the world.
✅ Decoupled Architecture – Frontend and backend work independently, allowing for faster development cycles.
✅ Personalization & A/B Testing – Even in a headless setup, Sitecore’s personalization engine lets you deliver tailored experiences.
