What is Next JS?

Vercel built Next JS, an open-source framework, created on top of React. It was built to streamline the modern web application development procedure. By default, this React framework will pre-render pages to improve the application’s performance.

Using the Next JS framework, it is possible to customize or fully substitute its components without too much difficulty. This framework comes with a broad set of tools that you can use to develop dynamic web page content and create modern, fast websites and web applications.

Key Features Of Next JS

Netflix, Nike, Twitch, Apple, Invision, Uber, Docker and TikTok are some of the large-scale and popular companies that use the Next JS framework because of their high-end features. Some of the primary features of Next JS are listed here:

• Auto Code Splitting: Pages are rendered depending on the libraries that are required. Also, you can load only a certain amount of JavaScript functions that are essential to operate those pages. This makes sure that the first page is loaded as quickly as possible.

• Lazy Loading: It is possible to load only the vital components that are required, which will enhance the performance of your website. With lazy loading, you can control slow loading and offer a better user experience.

• Hot Code Reloading/Fast Refresh: Even without reloading the page, you can notice all the modifications that are made to the applications swiftly. Whenever a markdown element is changed, the page will be automatically refreshed.

• Automatic Routing: All the files that are present in the pages directory will automatically become a route. So you do not have to create an additional setup for routing. This framework has a page-based routing system and supports dynamic routes.

In the ever-changing world of front-end development, React.js stands out as a fundamental technology. Among the many frameworks that use React, Next.js and Gatsby often steal the spotlight, sparking lively debates among developers due to their unique strengths and practical applications. Both Next.js and Gatsby have earned their places as go-to open-source React frameworks, commanding a strong presence in the market thanks to their advanced capabilities for creating cutting-edge web applications.

With these frameworks playing such pivotal roles in the React ecosystem, choosing the right one can be daunting. This in-depth guide aims to simplify the choice between Next.js and Gatsby by dissecting their differences, highlighting their similarities, showcasing their standout features, and providing insights into their best use cases. Whether you’re starting a new project or enhancing an existing one, this guide will help you navigate the world of Next.js and Gatsby to find the perfect fit for your needs.