What is Next.js?
Developed by Vercel, Next.js is a powerful, open-source JavaScript framework built on React that allows developers to build static, server-rendered, and hybrid websites.
As we advance further into the technological era, web development trends continue to evolve, with innovative tools and frameworks like Next.js leading the way. If you're yet to embrace Next.js in your web development activities, 2024 is the perfect year to reconsider your options.
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Here are ten reasons why you should use Next.js in 2024:
1. Community
The greatest aspect of the Vercel community is its high level of activity. With support from its creators and the global developer community, there are regular updates and bug fixes, all aimed at enhancing overall performance.
Recently, they introduced a comprehensive new tutorial on their website, which proves highly beneficial for both novices and seasoned developers. You can find it here: Next.js Tutorial.
Moreover, the community maintains an official Discord channel boasting over 95,000 active members! You can join the conversation here: Next.js Discord Channel.
2. Easy Start
Starting a new Next.js project from scratch is incredibly simple. You can swiftly begin crafting new pages and components with everything readily available, including EsLint, Tailwind, routers, and more.
It's now easier than ever to initiate and develop a fresh project from the ground up.
With just a single command in your terminal
npx create-next-app@latestYou can choose these options:
1. What is your project named?
Naming your Next.js app usually goes by the convention of kebab case. So you should name your app something like `my-nextjs-app`
2. Would you like to use TypeScript?
TypeScript is definitely recommended and there are a lot of benefits of using it:
Enhanced Developer Productivity: TypeScript's type system enables developers to catch errors during development rather than at runtime, leading to faster debugging and more efficient code refactoring. Additionally, IDEs and text editors with TypeScript support provide features like code completion, intelligent code navigation, and refactoring tools, which can significantly boost developer productivity.
Better Code Maintainability: By providing a clear understanding of the data types flowing through your application, TypeScript improves code readability and maintainability. With well-defined interfaces and type annotations, it becomes easier for developers to understand and modify existing codebases, leading to smoother collaboration among team members and reducing the likelihood of introducing bugs during maintenance or feature additions.
3. Would you like to use ESLint?
If you are using TypeScript, ESLint should be used also. ESLint helps enforce consistent coding conventions and style guidelines across your project. This is especially valuable in team settings where multiple developers are working on the same codebase. By defining and enforcing a set of rules, ESLint ensures that code remains readable and maintainable, regardless of who wrote it.
4. Would you like to use Tailwind CSS.?
Tailwind CSS is a popular and very powerful CSS framework for inline styling of your frontend. It provides a utility-first approach to styling, offering a wide range of pre-defined utility classes that cover common styling needs such as margins, padding, typography, and more. This approach enables developers to rapidly prototype and build user interfaces without the need to write custom CSS. By leveraging utility classes, you can focus on crafting your UI components rather than spending time on repetitive styling tasks.
5. Would you like to use `src/` directory?
As an alternative to having the special Next.js app or pages directories in the root of your project, Next.js also supports the common pattern of placing application code under the src directory. If you are used to src directory, this is an option for you.
6. Would you like to use App Router?
Using the "app" directory in Next.js can provide several benefits:
Improved organization: By separating certain components and logic into the "app" directory, you can keep your project structure clean and organized. This can make it easier to navigate and maintain your codebase as it grows.
Reusability: Placing common components, layouts, or utilities in the "app" directory allows for easy reuse across multiple pages or components. This can help reduce code duplication and promote a more modular approach to development.
Simplified routing: Next.js automatically resolves pages and components from the "app" directory, making it easier to manage routing and navigation within your application. This can streamline the development process and improve overall code readability.
Customization: The "app" directory allows you to define custom settings, middleware, or layouts that apply globally to your application. This can help tailor the user experience and design to meet specific requirements or preferences. Overall, using the "app" directory in Next.js can help enhance the structure, organization, and functionality of your application, making it a valuable tool for developers.
7. Would you like to customize the default import alias (@/*)?
Customizing the import alias allows you to create shorter and more intuitive import paths for your components, pages, and other files in your project. This can make it easier to navigate and work with your codebase, especially as the project grows larger. If you choose to customize the import alias, you can set it to a different name that better suits your project's structure and organization.
You have all things above ready for you from the moment your new Next.js app is installed.
3. Server-Side Rendering (SSR)
What is Server-Side Rendering?
Server-Side Rendering is a technique in which the server dynamically generates the HTML content and delivers it directly to the client. This approach facilitates faster page load times, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.
Additionally, Server-Side Rendering holds significant benefits for SEO, as the HTML content becomes immediately available to search engine crawlers upon the initiation of page loading.
It's essential to note that when a page employs Server-Side Rendering, the HTML content is generated again with each request.
4. Static Site Generation (SSG)
What is Static Site Generation (SSG)?
Static Site Generation involves pre-generating the HTML content before the user visits the website. This process occurs during build time, and the generated build is reused for each page request. Additionally, SSG content can often be cached, further enhancing performance.
SSG significantly impacts SEO as well. When combined with Server-Side Rendering (SSR), it can lead to even better SEO results.
How to Choose Between SSR or SSG?
When deciding between SSR and SSG, consider the nature of your content. If your website contains a lot of dynamic data that frequently changes, SSR is the preferable option due to its better support for dynamic content. Conversely, if your content remains relatively static with minimal changes, SSG is the more suitable choice.
5. SEO
Next.js has been pushing a lot in SEO optimization. As mentioned earlier, the integration of Server-Side Rendering (SSR) and Static Site Generation (SSG) techniques greatly benefits SEO. However, the efforts towards SEO enhancement don't stop there.
Starting from version 13.2, Vercel has introduced the Metadata component, providing a convenient way to manage all meta tags. This allows developers to easily manipulate meta tags, further improving the website's search engine visibility and performance.
Moreover, within your Next.js project, attention is given to small yet crucial details. For instance, the Next.js
<Image /> component ensures that all images include the alt attribute by default, in line with best practices for accessibility and SEO.
6. Simplified Routing
Routing in Next.js couldn't be simpler. Just by creating a new folder, you're essentially creating a new route.
Within the app directory, the creation of a folder named users automatically generates a route /users. Each folder contains a page.tsx file, which corresponds to that route.
Additionally, Next.js facilitates code reuse through a layout.tsx file, enabling us to avoid redundancy, such as with headers and footers, for instance.
7. TypeScript
Vercel includes TypeScript in your Next.js application by default, which is a fantastic feature! TypeScript plays a crucial role in modern web development, offering stability to applications and enhancing the overall development experience.
When combined with analysis tools like ESLint, every project becomes a thing of beauty, ensuring code quality and consistency throughout the development process.
8. Fullstack
Next.js eliminates the need for a separate backend as it can be entirely developed within the application itself. With the introduction of stable Server Actions in version 13, developers can now handle everything directly within Next.js.
async function create()
{
'use server'
// ...
}
Various databases can be seamlessly integrated, with Prisma being one of the most popular choices for Next.js projects. Prisma offers a powerful ORM and comprehensive data manipulation capabilities, providing developers with all the tools necessary to build robust projects.
With these advancements, building your own SAAS (Software as a Service) has never been easier, empowering developers to create innovative solutions with Next.js.
9. Easy Deployment
Vercel has truly crafted a masterpiece for deployment. All a developer needs to do is connect their GitHub repository to the Vercel platform, and the entire CI/CD process operates automatically (with the flexibility for modification if needed). There's no additional hassle.
For hobby tier, everything is provided free of charge! Whether it's portfolio websites or personal projects, the possibilities are endless. However, it's important to note certain limits. For instance, there's a deployment limit of 32 per hour, and any API calls lasting more than 10 seconds are automatically blocked (though this can typically be resolved within the code).
You can find more details about the hobby tier here: Vercel Pricing.
10. Increased Performance
One of the primary reasons to consider Next.js in 2024 is its outstanding performance. Next.js employs automatic code splitting, ensuring that only the necessary JavaScript is loaded for each page. This optimization greatly enhances page load times and overall performance, making for a smoother and more efficient user experience.
Conclusion
From its sophisticated SEO optimization capabilities to its effortless integration of TypeScript and streamlined deployment process, Next.js is the evolution of modern web development. Whether you're a seasoned developer seeking enhanced performance or a newcomer looking to embark on your coding journey, Next.js offers a user-friendly platform to bring your ideas to life.
As we embrace the boundless possibilities of the digital age, Next.js stands at the forefront, inviting developers to embark on a journey of creativity, innovation, and limitless potential. In the realm of web development in 2024 and beyond, Next.js remains not just a framework, but a beacon of inspiration and opportunity for developers worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Next.js?
Next.js is a powerful, open-source JavaScript framework developed by Vercel. Built on React, it allows developers to create static, server-rendered, and hybrid websites efficiently.
Why should I consider using Next.js in 2024?
How active is the Next.js community?
How do I choose between SSR and SSG for my Next.js project?
What is the benefit of using TypeScript with Next.js?
Why using FireHire for hiring JavaScript developers is the best choice?
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Uros Miric
Senior Software Engineer
Mastering the digital realm for 15 years, he is a web dev warrior, crafting innovation and conquering challenges in Orcish style. 🔥 With extensive knowledge of JavaScript and TypeScript, he continues to push the boundaries of web development.