ReactJS or NextJS? Find the Right Fit for Your Business in 2024

 

• Introduction

Next.js is one of the best frameworks in the React ecosystem, which streamlines development. I have always been a huge React fan and recently explored Next.js, and it appears to be quite nice. It enhances the development process built on top of React, so well done for it that it's rather easy for new people to follow given its relatively easy learning curve.

The key distinction is that React is really a JavaScript library primarily used to create user interfaces whereas Next.js is a full-fledged framework that offers features like server-side rendering and routing. For a ReactJS development company, using both tools can enhance project outcomes. This article brings you both so that you can select the best one for your next JavaScript project.

• Statistics: 
• As of 2023, more than 79,245 sites were created with Next.js, while more than 4.5 million sites were created using React.js.
• According to stackoverflow survey, ReactJS is second highest use globally.

1. What is Next.js and What is it Used For?

Next.js is a free, open-source JavaScript framework designed by Vercel to create fast, user-friendly web applications and static websites with React. It functions with Node.js as well as with Babel to simplify server-side rendering and single-page applications, and features like static exports and pre-rendering also have the facility for automatic size optimizations. Due to these features, Next.js is very suitable for use cases involving eCommerce sites, marketing pages, and landing pages; due to much documentation and still growing more developers using Next.js, it is the perfect front-end development tool.

2. What is React.js and What is it Used For?

React is the popular front-end library for building large web applications created by Facebook. It allows the designers to design single or multi-page fast and scalable user interfaces. Hire ReactJS developers is essential for creating reusable UI components and integrating them seamlessly with state management libraries such as Redux. React is widely used across many different platforms, including social media, eCommerce, and SaaS applications, making skilled developers highly sought after.

Advantage and Disadvantage of Next.js

  Advantages of Next.js

• Server-Side Rendering (SSR): Improves the speed of performance and SEO as it loads pages much faster in initial visits.
• Static Site Generation (SSG): Saves pages in order to have increased speed and performance.
• Hybrid Rendering: Both SSR, SSG, and client-side rendering are allowed as necessary.
• SEO-Friendly: Optimized by search engines with regard to SSR/SSG.
• File-based Routing: Routing becomes straightforward without dependence on external libraries.
• API Routes: Allows for back-end development from the same project.
• Automatic Code Splitting: Improves loading times since only necessary JavaScript is loaded
• Image Optimization: Comes with auto image optimization out of the box.
• Big Ecosystem: Huge community around React and Next.js.
• TypeScript Support: Great TypeScript support right out of the box.

      Disadvantages of Next.js

• Steep Learning Curve: Complexity of rendering patterns can be too much for newcomers to handle.
• React Only: Only for react, no other front-end framework support.
• Configuration Complexity: Custom configurations can be pretty technical.
• Slower Build Times: Larger projects take longer times to construct.

Advantage and Disadvantage of React.js

Advantages of React JS

• Reusable Components : Reusability of components results in less development time and eases the maintenance process.
• Virtual DOM: It improves efficiency since it only updates those parts of the real DOM that require change.
• Social Support: It has the backing of Facebook and an enormous amount of developers. Thus, it is well-supported with plenty of resources and libraries.
• JSX Syntax: It amalgamates HTML with JavaScript, making it easier to read and write UI components.
• Component-based Architecture: It promotes modular coding that reduces the complexity one incurs in handling large applications.
• SEO Friendly: It supports server-side rendering, which will improve SEO for dynamic web pages.

Disadvantages of React JS

• Steep Learning Curve: JSX and the component-based architecture can be complex for new developers.
• Poor Documentation: Due to frequent updates, official documentation may lag behind.
• Only a Library: React is only for building UI, so additional libraries are needed for routing and state management.
• High Development Pace: Rapid changes in the React ecosystem can lead to relearning new tools and practices frequently.

 

Which frontend framework is best for your business in 2024?

• The best fit for your business and application is Next.js if you have a need for SSR, SSG, or higher SEO. The best use case for Next.js is when businesses need to build up quickly, SEO-optimized websites, such as for e-commerce or marketing sites; it offers a comprehensive framework with built-in routing and API management.

• On the other side of the coin, React.js is an extremely flexible JavaScript library that allows businesses to build very interactive SPAs or custom front-end interfaces. However, this is best used if you want to exercise your control over your project's architecture and wish to choose your tools.

• The better option for projects worried about SEO would be Next.js, but if it's all about building highly interactive applications, React.js is the better choice. Want to know more in detail about ReactJS or NextJS? Contact us for expert guidance.