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Next.js explained
by @t3dotgg,
bySon Pham
Oct 27, 2024 - 21:29
168

How Next.js Works: A Deep Dive

As a developer, you may have wondered how Next.js, a popular React framework, actually works under the hood. In this article, we'll explore the inner workings of Next.js, demystifying its server-rendering capabilities and explaining how it differs from traditional single-page application (SPA) deployments.

The Mystery of Server-Side Rendering (SSR)

When asking about Next.js, many developers wonder how it manages to render React applications on the server. The short answer is that Next.js uses a technique called server-side rendering (SSR) to generate HTML on the server, which is then sent to the client's browser.

Next.js Server-Side Rendering Watch how Next.js uses SSR to generate HTML

The Difference Between Next.js and Traditional SPAs

Traditional SPAs, like those built with Create React App, rely on the client's browser to render the application. In contrast, Next.js uses server-side rendering to generate the initial HTML, which is then sent to the client's browser. This approach provides several benefits, including better SEO and faster page loads.

Traditional SPA vs Next.js Understand the difference between traditional SPAs and Next.js

How Next.js Works

When a user requests a page, Next.js generates the HTML on the server using the requested route. This HTML is then sent to the client's browser, where JavaScript is executed to create a dynamic, interactive application.

Next.js Page Rendering See how Next.js renders pages on the server and client

Benefits of Next.js

Next.js offers several benefits over traditional SPAs, including:

  • Better SEO: Search engines can crawl and index server-rendered HTML, improving your application's visibility.
  • Faster page loads: Next.js generates HTML on the server, reducing the amount of work the client's browser needs to do.
  • Improved user experience: Next.js enables you to create dynamic, interactive applications with the benefits of server-side rendering.

Next.js Benefits Learn about the benefits of using Next.js

Conclusion

In conclusion, Next.js is a powerful React framework that offers several benefits over traditional SPAs. By understanding how Next.js works, you can harness its power to build fast, scalable, and SEO-friendly applications.

Next.js in Action See Next.js in action and start building your next application