Next.js has been adopted by companies such as Spotify and Nike and continues to grow in popularity. The 2024 Stack Overflow survey listed it as the fourth most popular among web frameworks and technologies.
Source: Stack Overflow 2024 Developer Survey
Next.js, built on JavaScript, provides developers with a familiar foundation, making it a natural choice for building scalable, high-performance applications. Its versatile features, like server-side rendering (SSR), incremental static regeneration (ISR), and integrated API routes, offer flexibility for various use cases.
To explain what is Next.js in detail, our article will break down the core features of the framework, and explore its most common use cases, all to show why it’s a framework worth considering for your next project.
What is Next.js?
Developed by Vercel and built on top of React, Next.js is a full-stack framework, meaning it can handle both frontend and backend development tasks in a single project. Officially recognized as the best choice for starting React-based projects, it enables the creation of advanced web applications and performant websites.
Features of Next.js
Next.js is currently the most popular framework for web applications, with many advantages that make it a top choice for the biggest players in the industry. Let’s explore the key features that set Next.js apart:
Hybrid Rendering
The ability to mix Server-Side Rendering and Static Site Generation, with Client-Side Rendering (CSR) within a single application is a major perk. Developers can choose whether to pre-render content at build time or handle it at runtime, optimizing performance, SEO, and user experience. For example, using SSG for blog posts, SSR for dynamic user dashboards, and CSR for interactive components.
Serverless and Edge Functions
The framework supports serverless deployment and edge functions, allowing devs to run code closer to users for faster response times, and limiting the need for complex server management.
Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR)
ISR allows static pages to be updated without a full rebuild, making it possible to serve up-to-date content while maintaining the speed of static generation.
File-Based Routing
Next.js’s file-based routing makes it easy to create routes by simply adding files to the pages directory. There’s no need to configure routing by hand, which reduces boilerplate code and improves maintenance.
API Routes
The ability to create backend API endpoints directly within a Next.js project supports full-stack development without the need for separate server infrastructure. You can build complex applications much easier, thanks to simplified data fetching, processing, and handling.
Built-In Image Optimization
The Image component automatically optimizes images, resizing them and serving modern formats, which boosts page load. This feature saves developers from handling image optimization and unifies UX across different devices.
The Next.js 15 update, while still in the testing stage, already promises to make development smoother, faster, and more secure. Here’s what you might expect in the future:
Full compatibility with the latest React 19 RC features
An experimental React Compiler tool for better optimization
Fetch requests and GET handlers will now be uncached by default
Partial Prerendering, which will let you blend static and dynamic rendering
New Tools and APIs, from next/after for post-response code to updates in create-next-app
Turbopack Stability will create speedier builds thanks to optimized code processing
Async request APIs will allow for better async data handling
New server actions security will boost endpoint security
New <Form> Component will improve prefetching and navigation
Static Route Indicator will let you easily spot which routes are static
It now supports TypeScript configuration files
Next.js 15 RC brings some solid improvements. Turbopack speeds up dev builds, while enhanced Server Actions tighten security. The new component simplifies prefetching and client-side navigation, and async request APIs streamline data handling, though with a few breaking changes. With TypeScript support in next.config.ts and a static route indicator, this version focuses on making development faster and smoother.
Rafal Dabrowski, Next.js Expert at Pagepro
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User Experience and Search Engine Optimization in Next.js
This framework provides features that impact both UX and SEO. Its support for SSG and SSR improves page load times, an important factor for user retention and search engine rankings. Built-in functions like image optimization and lazy loading improve performance across devices, contributing to better UXs and reduced bounce rates.
Moreover, the pre-rendered content from SSR improves visibility on search engines, potentially attracting organic traffic. These capabilities allow developers to build responsive, efficient, and search-friendly applications.
Use Cases of Next.js
Next.js can be used to build many different types of projects, such as:
Complex Web Applications
Web Platforms
Multi-Market Solutions
Advanced eCommerce and Retail Platforms
SaaS Products
Interactive User Interfaces
Its capability to manage high-traffic websites has made Next.js a trusted choice for some of the largest companies on the market, so here are 3 examples of web applications built in Next.js:
Spotify
Source: Spotify
A top music streaming service in the world, Spotify allows fans to enjoy their favourite artists anywhere they go.
Proofed
Source: Proofed
A professional editing and proofreading service helping individuals and businesses improve their written content. Their team includes experts who can provide quick turnaround times while maintaining high-quality standards.
Proofed
MVP Development for the Leading Professional Proofreading and Editing Services Company
An AI model by Anthropic, Claude generates text for tasks like answering questions and engaging in conversations. It’s one of the AI models prioritising safety and ethics.
Nike
Source: Nike
Known for its iconic products and innovative designs, Nike is a global leader in sportswear. The company designs, manufactures, and markets athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories appreciated by athletes from all walks of life and levels of skill.
Why We Chose Next.js for Our Web Page
The decision to use Next.js for our website was both strategic and practical. Search engine optimization was an important consideration since we rely on organic traffic and invest heavily in SEO. This framework provides the technical foundation to support those efforts.
Page speed is another priority. The framework’s ability to deliver fast loading times enhances the UX while reinforcing our SEO strategy. In terms of content management, using a modern decoupled architecture with Next.js offers us free reign over the frontend, letting our marketing team integrate tools like Storybook for dynamic content management.
And let’s not forget our developers—they appreciate Next.js for its efficiency, scalability, and active community support.
Pros and Cons of Next.js
Next.js is a great framework for building websites and apps. While it boasts many powerful features, it does have a few disadvantages. Let’s discover Next.js pros and cons:
Benefits of Next.js for Business
Scalability and Security
Since this framework is built to handle complex, high-traffic websites and applications it’s great for businesses that require scalable and highly customizable solutions. It also addresses key security concerns, such as authentication and data validation, ensuring user trust and data integrity.
Performance Optimization
Next.js boosts performance with features like lazy loading, image optimization, automatic code splitting, and route prefetching, ensuring faster load times and a better UX.
One of our clients, an e-learning platform, migrated from an outdated Drupal tech stack to Next.js and Sanity with our help. This transition resulted in significant performance improvements and enhanced security.
Learn Squared
Boosting the Performance of e-Learning Platform with Next.js
Next.js speeds up development with pre-built components, making it ideal for building MVPs quickly and efficiently, reducing time and cost to market.
Improved User Experience and Increased Traffic
This React framework allows businesses to create customized, fast, and lightweight static sites that align with their design vision and goals. As these sites are SEO-friendly, they improve search rankings and drive organic traffic.
Omnichannel Presence
Next.js also ensures accessibility across all devices, resulting in an omnichannel presence. Fast load times and an enhanced UX contribute to higher conversion rates, as satisfied users are more likely to return and engage.
The universal compatibility of Next.js ensures modern web solutions function flawlessly across all devices, broadening customer reach and accessibility. We’ve seen improvements in conversion rates and performance since adopting Next.js
Jakub Dakowicz, CTO at Pagepro
Cost Efficiency
Hosting on Vercel not only helps your apps and websites keep stellar performance but also lowers costs. It’s all due to the integration between Next.js and the hosting environment.
AI Integration
Next.js allows devs to incorporate advanced AI technologies into their applications through built-in support for the Vercel AI SDK.
Unified Full-Stack Development
Next.js offers comprehensive full-stack capabilities, streamlining development by building entire applications with a single, unified framework. It reduces the need for multiple tools, which improves efficiency and developer experience.
Rich Ecosystem
This framework benefits from a strong ecosystem, supported by companies like Vercel and Meta, with a large, active community. Developers can easily access resources, plugins, and a vast talent pool, making it easier to recruit and share knowledge.
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Cons of Using Next.js
While very versatile and performance-friendly, building with Next.js comes with a few roadblocks. Here are some of the potential issues to consider before implementing it in your tech stack.
Development and Management
The flexibility offered by Next has its cost – continuous management. To make all desired changes properly, you will need a dedicated person, familiar with the system, to manage it. The good news is that this person doesn’t have to be a developer!
Ongoing Cost
Since Next.js does not provide many built-in front pages, you have to create one yourself. The frontend will require changes or updates from time to time, meaning you’ll have to hire a dedicated dev to get the job done.
No Built-In State Management
Next.js, like many frameworks, does not include built-in state management. Developers can integrate popular solutions like Redux, MobX, or React’s Context API to handle state the way they want.
Get Started with Next.js
Next.js is a versatile framework that balances speed and flexibility with scalability. It simplifies development with easy setup, great performance optimizations, React compatibility, and integrated tools, all while ensuring excellent SEO benefits. Its features make the framework ideal for a variety of projects, from simple static sites to complex web applications.
Established companies like Spotify, Anthropic, Nike, and Proofed have leveraged Next.js’ capabilities, proving its value for developers and businesses alike, especially those aiming to create fast, reliable, and scalable web solutions. Next.js applications and websites are a great investment into future of your project.
