Next.js is a fantastic framework for building web apps, but it's not ideal for all applications. In this lesson, we'll explore the scenarios where Next.js shines and situations where alternative frameworks might be more suitable.
Hydration and Client-Side Rendering
Next.js supports server-side rendering (SSR) and static site generation (SSG). Like all React-based frameworks, Next.js requires hydration on the client-side. This means that the React application runs on the server first, then is run again on the client-side.
The HTML page returned from the server includes extra data specifically for hydration, which can significantly increase the page size. In fact, every tag on the page is replicated as part of a payload at the bottom of the page, effectively doubling its size.
But what if you don't need interactivity on the client?
If your application primarily consists of static content with minimal interactivity, such as a news site, the added overhead of hydration might not be necessary. In these cases, alternative frameworks like Astro could be a better fit, as they focus on generating static content without the need for client-side hydration.
Server-Side Rendering and Highly Interactive Applications
On the other hand, if you're building a highly interactive application like Figma, which heavily relies on client-side rendering, the benefits of Next.js's server-side rendering might be limited. Such applications often require real-time updates and dynamic user interactions, which are primarily handled on the client-side.
In scenarios where your application is predominantly client-side rendered and doesn't require server-side rendering, a single-page application (SPA) framework like Vite could be a more suitable choice. SPAs are designed to provide a smooth and responsive user experience by handling most of the rendering and updates on the client-side.
Finding the Right Balance
While it's important to consider the extremes, most websites and applications fall somewhere in between. They often have a mix of static content and dynamic functionality. Next.js excels in scenarios where you need a combination of server-side rendering and client-side interactivity.
For example, an e-commerce application may have static product pages that can benefit from Next.js's static site generation capabilities. At the same time, it may also have dynamic pages like search results or user profiles that can leverage server-side rendering to provide a fast initial load and optimal SEO. Other types of applications that can benefit from Next.js's capabilities include dashboards, blogs, and social networks.
Considering the Overhead
While Next.js offers a wide range of features and capabilities, it's essential to consider the overhead that comes with those features. If you don't fully utilize the framework's capabilities, you might be incurring additional performance and page size costs without reaping the benefits.
As an engineer, it's your responsibility to evaluate the specific requirements of your application and weigh the trade-offs. Consider factors such as the level of interactivity needed, the importance of server-side rendering for SEO, and the overall performance goals of your application. This will help you determine whether Next.js is the right choice for your project or if an alternative framework might be more suitable.