Two of the most widely used tools among front-end web developers are React and Next.js. They're enjoyable to work with and are the universally accepted tools for creating user interfaces (UI), which have shaped our internet experience. We'll examine the attributes of NextJS, how it stacks up against React, and how it functions as a reliable, agile framework for front-end development.
What is NextJS?
Following its initial release in 2016, Next JS has gained popularity as a web development framework. The simplest way to describe it is as a React framework that allows developers to create single-page JavaScript web applications.
Vercel developed Next JS to handle all the setups and configurations that programmers could need for React. Additionally, the framework enables developers to create server-side rendering-capable apps.
It's quite challenging to compare Next JS and React because Next JS is a React framework while React is a library. Having said that, we believe that a thorough comparison of the benefits and drawbacks of each of these platforms will be the most effective. Come on, let's begin!
Benefits of NextJS
SEO Friendly
React is now capable of being SEO-friendly, but what about Next JS? Well, it's even friendlier now! When a user clicks on a different page in React, the browser mounts it separately. And everything takes place on the client's side. This makes it impossible for web crawlers to index the page properly.
Enter NextJS. Apps developed using the framework can be indexed more effectively thanks to server-side rendering, increasing their exposure in search engine results pages (SERPs) (Search Engine Results Page).
Easily mastered
Next.js takes less time to learn than React and other frameworks. Developers gain multiple benefits with this approach including less code, greater readability, and better project management.
Faster speed and rendering
Because Server-side Rendering and Static Generation are used, apps created with NextJS run quickly and manage data more intelligently. Only as soon as the server can process requests will server-side rendering be effective. Because it can be sent from a CDN, static generation is quick. And Native image optimization tools enhance performance.
Refreshing the page makes every update to the file instantly visible. Since the component is immediately rendered, it is simpler to follow edits as they take place.
Less time to market
Reduced time-to-market rates result from more straightforward coding, quicker development, and excellent performance. In reality, when it comes to creating the MVP, Next JS can be a fantastic option.
Typescript and API support
Along with all Next JS's advantages, the framework works with TypeScript. As a result, developers can create a wide range of objects, such as APIs, Pages, and others, using a TypeScript setup that requires zero configuration. Your project's capabilities can be expanded by using third-party APIs, and NextJS makes it simple to connect to them and build custom API routes.
Drawbacks of NextJS
Small Community
In comparison to React, the Next community is relatively small. That in no way prevents you from using the framework, though! it is, in reality, less than that of React, but it continues to expand every day. After all, locating the answers to your pressing problems is simpler the more individuals use the framework.
Routing
NextJS Ts routing system is inadequate for some tasks. Developers must be proficient in using NodeJS because it is the tool needed to generate dynamic routes.
Consider that you want to create quick, incredibly configurable apps, simple to change, and have enhanced SEO skills. If so, NextJS is a tool to consider, primarily if your development team currently uses React and is willing to include a new tool into their workflow.
What is ReactJS?
The most well-known JavaScript framework on the market is React, which is used by more than 40% of poll participants from Stack Overflow. It's a little deceptive to refer to React as a framework. It is not a framework; instead, it is an open-source JavaScript library.
Advantages of ReactJS
One-way Data flow
React has a one-way data flow as opposed to most other frameworks' two-way ones. What does that mean, in any case? One-way data flow indicates that it need not be updated each time a change is made. Because of this, modifications to specific sections don't affect the application's overall structure, i.e., changes to child components don't affect parent data.
Community
When compared to React, the Next JS community was slightly at a disadvantage, but what about the library? That's a plus, though! You shouldn't get lost and stuck while developing because there are so many articles, YouTube videos, tutorials, and other publications about React, so it is good to hire Reactjs developer Unquestionably a robust user base!
Reusable components
Without reusable components, React wouldn't be as well-known as it is now. They are one of the elements that contribute to how much simpler and more efficient the overall development process is. Reusable components in React can be loaded repeatedly to other pages while keeping their initial characteristics. All pages will reflect changes made to the component code.
It's easy to learn
React has a low learning curve. Many multinational enterprises, including Uber, Airbnb, Dropbox, and countless more, favor the library because of its reusable components, comparatively simple learning curve, and versatility.
Virtual DOM
The document object model (DOM) is a tree-like structure made up of XML or HTML pages, and it can be thought of as a virtual representation of that model. It allows developers to update even the smallest parts of a program without fearing that doing so will disrupt the app.
Without the Virtual DOM, React wouldn't be so famous. Developers may create quick, up-to-date apps with its assistance because it powers React's performance and quickness.
Drawbacks of ReactJS
Numerous Updates and Insufficient Documentation
There just isn't enough time to publish accurate documentation because there are so many updates. Unfortunately, this forces developers to make the challenging decision of either creating their own documentation or locating ones already published by users.
It can seem like a good idea to choose the latter option. After all, you don't have to waste time creating your documentation. However, is it accurately that good? It may be practical to rely on other developers' comments, but you risk finding inaccurate or insufficiently detailed sparse text guidance.
View Layer
React only operates with the view layer of the MVC model (Model-View-Controller),which may be a surprise. Developers must rely on other tools to complete the project. It focuses primarily on creating user interfaces. Therefore, for it to function to its fullest, further tools are needed.
It's time to go over all we've understood so far. Here is a brief comparison to gain a better insight.
| Characteristics | NextJS | React |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Curve | Easy to learn | Steeper compared to Next |
| Community | Small to medium | Large |
| SEO | Friendly | Not Friendly |
| Performance | Faster than React | Slower than Next |
| Maintenance | Easy to maintain | Many updates that developers have to keep up with. |
NextJS use cases
NextJS is used by companies such as Vercel, Netflix, Hulu, Expo, and others for their apps. The following are some of the things that NextJS can help you with:
Page Landings
If you want to construct landing pages for your websites, this is an excellent alternative because it is popular with marketers because it is the first page that everybody who visits your website sees.
SEO-friendly web apps
If you want your website to appear at the top of search results, SEO can assist you. NextJS offers the best SEO, title, and keyword support, allowing your website to load faster and rank higher in search results.
Finally, Next JS should be your go-to framework if you want to construct an MVP and minimize time-to-market.
ReactJS use cases
Because Facebook created it, React is a widely popular library. ReactJS is used in the tech stacks of Airbnb, the New York Times, Instagram, and Whatsapp. The following are some of the use cases of ReactJS:
Websites for Social Media
Social networking websites can be challenging to design with any framework, but utilizing react can speed up the process because it employs reusable components, and social media necessitates certain functionalities several times.
News sites
React can also easily construct a news application with unique features and UI.
All in all...
Using a framework to construct web apps depends on your needs, budget, and other development criteria. Both are excellent technologies that will provide you with the most pleasing development experience possible. Using Next.js gives you the best server-side rendering (SSR) and static site creation experience and the ability to manage your online apps effortlessly with diverse tools. Whereas React can be an excellent framework for designing single-page web apps such as UI, React is more adaptable because it is a library rather than a framework.
