Why Next.js is the most popular JavaScript framework today

What is Next.js?

Created by the company Vercel, Next.js is an open-source software development framework based on the React library, one of the most popular JavaScript libraries. As a React framework, Next.js allows developers to use React components for the user interfaces while adding optimizations and extra features.

But, you might wonder why use Next.js compared to another JavaScript framework. Let’s see why now:

Why Next.js?

There are plenty of reasons why Next.js has earned its title as one of the preferred JavaScript frameworks and the #1 React framework.

Server-side rendering, static site generation & client-side rendering

Unlike many of its counterparts, Next.js supports server-side rendering (SSR), which allows content to be rendered on the server before being sent to the client, resulting in faster page loads and better user experience.

Static site generation (SSG) is another Next.js feature that pre-renders pages at build time, providing the benefits of static sites with the flexibility of dynamic ones.

Next.js also offers the possibility of client-side rendering, where the rendering of web pages is handled within the user's web browser, using JavaScript.

With the option between several rendering methods, developers get the flexibility to choose the most appropriate rendering strategy for different parts of their application.

Improved SEO

The server-side rendering feature of Next.js also provides built-in SEO support, making it easier for search engines to crawl and index content. This is crucial for improving the visibility and ranking of web applications in search results.

Optimized for performance and ease of use

Next.js focuses on performance, with features like code splitting, lazy loading and automatic image optimization.

Next.js automatically splits code into smaller chunks, which are loaded only when needed. This optimization reduces initial load times and improves overall application performance.

To boost performance during the initial loading phase, Next.js also utilizes lazy loading. By minimizing the amount of JavaScript necessary to display a route, it postpones the loading of client components and imported libraries until they are specifically requested.

The automatic image optimization features save developers time and effort in configuring and optimizing images for web performance while providing users with a better experience.

Again, to make your life as a developer easier, the Next.js automatic static optimization feature can determine if a page is suitable for static optimization, giving you the best of both static and dynamic rendering without any extra setup.

Great developer experience

Next.js provides a straightforward setup and a well-documented API, making it easy for developers to get started and be productive quickly. It includes features like fast refresh, which provides instant feedback on code changes, and comprehensive error-handling mechanisms. Saving both time and effort, these features significantly enhance the developer experience and productivity.

Integration capabilities

Next.js seamlessly integrates with popular third-party platforms, including content management systems, analytics services, e-commerce platforms and other headless CMSs. This makes it easier for developers to build and manage complex content-driven web applications.

Growing ecosystem and community support

While the Next.js community may not be as large as some other frameworks, it is rapidly growing, with increasing resources, tutorials and support available. Plus, it benefits from a rich ecosystem of plugins and tools. Backed by Vercel, the framework continuously receives investments and improvements.

Built-in CSS and Sass support

Next.js provides built-in support for CSS and Sass, enabling CSS stylesheets to be easily included without needing any additional library. Developers can then style their applications easily without extra configuration.

File-based routing for easier route creation

Next.js features an intuitive file-based routing system. This means that folders are used to define routes. This structure greatly simplifies the process of defining the web application’s routes.

Create-next-app

Getting everything set up for you, the create-next-app tool allows you to start building a Next.js app in no time. It streamlines the process of setting up new projects with a single command, providing a well-structured, out-of-the-box configuration that adheres to best practices. It saves developers significant time by automating initial setup, offers a consistent project structure for easier collaboration and supports modern JavaScript features.

This Next.js tool is great for developers to get started quickly. If you wish, on the other hand, to get your web application professionally built, our team of Next.js-trained full-stack developers would love to help you achieve your goals. Contact us today!