React Js Versus Next js: Which Is Better?

React Js Vs Next JS: Overview

What is Next js?

Since its initial release in 2016, Next JS has become a popular framework in the application development world.

But how to define what Next JS is plain and simple?

The easiest definition of it would be that it’s a React js framework with which developers can design single-page, JavaScript web applications.

Developed by Vercel, Next JS takes care of all the tools and configurations that React framework requires.

It is useful for designing apps that use server-side rendering.

What is React js?

React framework is a well-known, open-source javascript library available on the market (over 40% of users of the Stack Overflow survey admitted to using React ecosystem).

React js developers can handle a variety of tasks such as single-page applications, interactive user interfaces, web apps, and more.

This framework also includes useful features such as virtual DOM or JSX.

Additionally, the best examples of React js apps are Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, and Netflix.

Advantages of Next js

Here, we highlight the advantages. Let’s check it out.

SEO-Friendly

Firstly, due to server-side rendering, the next js application can be indexed more efficiently.

Secondly, provide better visibility in the SERP (Search Engine Results Page).

Performance

Firstly, the Next JS application is fast and efficient, all thanks to static generation, code splitting, and server-side rendering.

Secondly, with the Next 10 update, this framework employs a feature called image optimization that boosts the performance of a web app even faster.

Easy Learning Curve

Firstly, Next js is easier as compared to react when it comes to coding.

Secondly, It features less code and it’s easier to execute.

Reduced Time-to-Market

Firstly, Easier coding, faster development process, and good performance, all of these aspects result in a reduced time-to-market rate.

Secondly, Next JS can be a perfect choice when developing the MVP.

TypeScript

Firstly, Next JS also supports TypeScript.

Secondly, helps to design a variety of different things, including APIs, Pages, and others with a zero-configuration TypeScript setup.

Advantages of React Js

Easy to Learn

Firstly, Similar to Next JS, React js also includes an easy learning curve when compared to other frameworks.

Secondly, many international companies such as Uber, Airbnb, Dropbox, and others use this library because of its reusable components, easy learning process, and versatility.

One-Way Data Flow

Firstly, React js involves a one-way data flow.

Secondly, changes in child components will not impact parent data.

Community

The Next JS community was slightly at a disadvantage when compared to the React community,

Secondly, React ecosystem has a strong user community.

Reusable Components

Firstly, reusable components ease the entire react js development process

Secondly, reusable fragments can be reused in other parts of the application or even in future projects, without having to rewrite the entire code.

Virtual DOM

Firstly, the reason behind React popularity is Virtual DOM (Document Object Model).

Secondly, React js developers can design fast applications that adhere to modern standards.

Lastly, boost the speed and performance of React.

Disadvantages of Next Js

Lack of Knowledge

Firstly, Next JS is a React js framework, so you must at least understand React first before you can use it.

Secondly, you run the risk of getting stuck in development without learning the basics beforehand.

Routing

Firstly, a file-based router is used in this framework, which limits dynamic routing somewhat, which may not be adequate for some projects.

Secondly, you can design dynamic routing, but for that, you’ll need additional assistance from the NodeJS server.

Small Community

Next js possesses small community support

However, it is growing steadily day by day. You’ll find answers to your burning questions easier if more people use the framework.

Disadvantages of React Js

JSX

Firstly, JSX is a JavaScript extension that is responsible for making the code cleaner and more readable.

Secondly, it combines both JavaScript and HTML, making a steeper learning curve that some users might not like.

Furthermore, JSX is optional, so you won’t have to worry about it.

Huge Updates and Lack of Documentation

Firstly, Due to a high number of updates, there is no proper react js documentation. Secondly, difficult for developers to write their own documentation.

View Layer

React js relies only on a view layer of the MVC model (Model-View-Controller) of web and mobile apps.

React JS vs Next Js: When to Use Them?

The direct comparison of ReactJS vs Next js makes little sense since Next is built on top of React, so it isn’t a competitor.

In the above blog, we curated the list of their pros and cons. Now, let’s check about when developers should prefer them.

Next JS

If you still wondering about when you should use Next JS, here we highlighted the list of the situations where you should opt for this framework for your project.

First, If you’re planning on designing a web application with server-side rendering.

Secondly, If you are already proficient in React, but you’re looking for more functionalities;

Thirdly, Whenever you plan on designing a static site;

Lastly, if you want to create an MVP and reduce time-to-market, Next JS is the best option.

React js
Here we highlighted a few situations where using this framework would be the right choice.

First, If you want to design a React js project such as user interfaces, single-page applications, web apps, and more;

Secondly, If you want to be a part of the huge community of React.

Thirdly, If you are well-versed in JSX or you’re willing to learn how it operates;

Lastly, If you’re planning on designing multiple apps and reusing the components.

Conclusion

We’re nearing the end of our debate React js vs Next Js article, so it’s time, to sum up, everything that we’ve learned so far. Please go through the article and choose the framework wisely.