Front-End Development in 2024: Next.js vs React for Building Modern Web Applications

React has been the top choice of developers for a long time but then it started demanding something more. That’s when the Next.js entered with its better capabilities.

Next.js is comparatively a simplified development environment that is built on top of React. While this framework comes with a small learning curve, front-end developers can quickly learn it. This makes all the difference between developing a project with Next.js and React JS. In simple terms, React is just a JavaScript library whereas Next.js is a React framework.

Read this blog until the end to understand which one between Next.js and React suits your next project. Also, which front-end development company you should choose for your project?

What is Next.js?

Next.js is an open-source framework that allows you to quickly develop user-friendly web applications and static websites using React. It integrates with React to create single-page applications, which makes server-side convenient and easier.

Since Next.js is based on webpack and React babel, it provides a unique solution for server-side rendering (SSR) of React Components. Furthermore, Next.js requires React for app deployment because React builds the app’s foundation.

Features of Next.js:

Next.js Advantages:

Below are the advantages of Next.js front-end development service:

Next.js Disadvantages:

Below are the disadvantages of using Next.js:

What is React?

React has emerged as a widely used front-end library to develop large web apps. As React is a flexible and open-source JavaScript library, it allows developers to build simple and scalable interfaces for multi-page or single-page applications. You can use one of the multiple tools offered by React to enclose routing and state management patterns.

The popular JavaScript library, React, lets developers build interactive user interfaces, which ensures that the user stays on your web page for a little longer. With its advanced features and wide community, React has become a standard for every industry.

Features of React:

React Advantages:

Below are the advantages of using React:

React Disadvantages

Below are the disadvantages of using React:

React Vs Next.js: Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a brief difference between React and Next.js. Remember these differences when hiring a frontend development agency for your future projects:

1. Performance

The major difference between React and Next.js lies in terms of performance.

Thanks to code-splitting, server-side rendering, image optimization, and static destinations, the Next.js apps are superfast. In addition, site generators and static web pages are pre-rendered while building and served on a CDN, which offers quicker load times. Besides this, you can find many other performance-enhancement features on Next.

In contrast, React supports client-side rendering, which does not yield such high performance. React can be set up for SSR but it will require a lot more resources and effort.

2. Documentation

There is not much difference between React and Next.js in terms of documentation. Next.js websites come with learn-by-doing documentation, which provides detailed instructions to quickly learn the ropes. It means developers can get on the job just after completing the documentation.

On the other hand, React documentation is user-friendly and exhaustive. Along with articles, it also includes videos and tutorials that cover almost all the topics. Not to mention, React has an active community that regularly helps developers with problems.

3. Learning Curve

When it comes to the learning curve, React is simpler and easier to learn than Next.js.

Understanding the complexities of Next.js takes more time. But developers who are familiar with React, don’t have to go through an overwhelming learning curve.

4. Pre-rendering

Among Next.js and React, pre-rendering can be done in the former one.

Pre-rendering refers to rendering on a server, which removes the need for browser generation and allows apps to load much faster. You can perform pre-rendering on Next.js but not on React.

5. Server Side Rendering (SSR)

SSR clearly distinguishes between React and Next.js.

Next.js comes with in-built support for SSR. Data is smoothly collected and rendered each time a different view is delivered to the users.

In contrast, React does not have built-in support for SSR. While the built-in support can be created, it will require a lot more effort.

6. Client Side Rendering

Client-side rendering is possible in React but not in Next.js.

By default, the React.js apps are rendered on the client side. It means the HTML page is either generated on the user's browser or on the client side. Also, the HTML is generated from the user device by JavaScript.

You can achieve client-side rendering in Next.js but you would need to use other tools or components.

Is React Better than Next.js?

React is an appropriate choice for building large and complex web applications with heavily data-driven factor components and complex routing. Likewise, Next.js should be your choice if you plan to build a static website.

Compared to React, Next.js offers easy-to-code functionality. So, when it comes to writing code, React requires a long line of coding while Next.js needs less code.

Conclusion

In conclusion, React and Next.js are both reliable frontend frameworks that are widely used by developers. You can hire front-end developers from a reliable company like Protonshub Technologies.

Our company works with skilled developers who have a thorough understanding of app development. They have successfully designed and developed apps to deliver the finest user experience.

Reach out to us to know more.

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Ekta Singh

"Senior Content Writer"

Ekta Singh is a rookie food experimentalist and k-drama fan with 4+ years of experience in writing. Bridging gaps between companies and customers through conversion-driven content is her forte. She believes in writing stories for a living and living life for exploring places.