What is Next Js: A Beginner's guide to Next Js

Curious about what is Next Js and why it's becoming a favorite for developers? This exciting nextjs tutorial is perfect for nextjs beginners! Explore how this powerful framework simplifies web development and unlocks its amazing features in no time.

What is Next Js?

Next.js is an open-source React framework developed by Vercel to address challenges in modern web development. While React is excellent for building dynamic user interfaces, it lacks built-in solutions for key needs. Next.js bridges these gaps by combining these features into one powerful tool.

Why Was Next.js Created?

Next.js was built to solve problems developers face when using React and similar libraries:

• React's Gaps: React lacks built-in tools for SSR, SEO, or routing, requiring extra libraries and configurations.
• SEO Challenges: Traditional single-page applications render content on the client, delaying page visibility and harming SEO. Next.js introduces SSR and SSG to solve this.
• Performance Needs: Features like automatic code-splitting and image optimization are essential for high-performing apps, but React doesn't provide them natively. Next.js includes these by default.
• Developer Simplicity: Managing tools for routing, rendering, and performance can be overwhelming in React. Next.js simplifies this by integrating these features seamlessly.

How to Get Started with Next Js?

Now that we know what is Next Js, getting started with Next.js is a straightforward process that allows developers, especially Next.js beginners, to quickly set up their first project. With tools like create-next-app, you can go from zero to a fully functional app in minutes. Here’s a practical guide to kickstart your journey.

1. System Requirements

Before diving into this Next.js tutorial, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

• Node.js: Version 18.18 or later (If you don’t have Node.js installed, Download it from nodejs.org. Make sure to install version 18.18 or later).
• Operating System: Works on macOS, Windows (including WSL), and Linux.

2. Automatic Setup with create-next-app

The easiest way to start a Next.js project is by using the create-next-app command. This automates the setup process and configures your app with best practices.

Run the following command in your terminal:

npx create-next-app@latest

You’ll be prompted with a series of questions, such as:

• What is your project named?
• Would you like to use TypeScript, ESLint, or Tailwind CSS?
• Would you like your code inside a src/ directory?

Here’s how a typical setup might look:

What is your project named? my-next-app
Would you like to use TypeScript? Yes
Would you like to use ESLint? Yes
Would you like to use Tailwind CSS? No
Would you like your code inside a `src/` directory? Yes
Would you like to use App Router? (recommended) Yes

Once completed, the script generates your project files and installs all required dependencies. Make sure to stay connected to the internet for this.

3. Manual Setup

If you prefer manual setup, you can create a Next.js project step by step:

Install the required packages:

npm install next react react-dom

Add the following scripts to your package.json:

{
  "scripts": {
    "dev": "next dev",
    "build": "next build",
    "start": "next start",
    "lint": "next lint"
  }
}

Create the necessary folders and files for your project:

• Add a pages directory.
• Create a simple index.js file:

export default function Home() {
  return <h1>Welcome to your first Next.js app!h1>;
}

Running Your First App:

To start your development server, use the command:

npm run dev

Then open http://localhost:3000/ in your browser to see your Next.js app in action. Edit your index.js file, save the changes, and watch the updates reflect instantly.

Optional Enhancements:

• TypeScript Setup: Next.js supports TypeScript out of the box. Rename a .js file to .tsx, and the necessary dependencies will be installed automatically.
• ESLint Configuration: Add linting rules with:

npm run lint

• Public Folder: Use the public folder to store static assets like images, fonts, and more. Access them directly in your app via /asset-name.

Key Features of Next Js

Next.js offers a suite of powerful features designed to tackle common challenges in web development, making it easier to build high-performance, scalable, and SEO-friendly web applications.

1. File-Based Routing

Unlike React, which requires libraries like React Router, Next.js has a built-in file-based routing system. Routes are automatically created based on the file structure in the pages directory.

Example:

If you create the following files in your pages folder:

/pages/index.js → '/'
/pages/about.js → '/about'
/pages/blog.js → '/blog'

The corresponding URLs are automatically generated. You don’t need to write any additional routing logic.

Why it helps:

This intuitive routing system saves time, simplifies navigation, and eliminates dependency on third-party libraries.

2. Server-Side Rendering (SSR)

Next.js allows you to render pages on the server before sending them to the browser, ensuring faster load times and better SEO. This is particularly useful for dynamic content that changes frequently.

Example:

Here’s how you can use SSR in Next.js:

export async function getServerSideProps() {
  const data = await fetch('https://api.example.com/data');
  return { props: { data } };
}

export default function Page({ data }) {
  return <div>{JSON.stringify(data)}div>;
}

Why it helps:

• Pages load faster as the browser receives pre-rendered HTML.
• Search engines can crawl and index content more effectively.

3. Static Site Generation (SSG)

For pages with static content, Next.js can pre-render them during the build process, ensuring lightning-fast load times.

Example:

export async function getStaticProps() {
  const data = await fetch('https://api.example.com/data');
  return { props: { data } };
}

export default function Page({ data }) {
  return <div>{JSON.stringify(data)}div>;
}

Why it helps:

SSG is ideal for blogs, documentation, or landing pages where the content doesn’t change often.

4. API Routes

Next.js enables you to build serverless API routes directly in your application, eliminating the need for a separate backend service.

Example:

Create an API route in pages/api/hello.js:

export default function handler(req, res) {
  res.status(200).json({ message: 'Hello from Next.js API!' });
}

Access this route at http://localhost:3000/api/hello.

Why it helps:

API routes make it easier to build full-stack applications without additional servers.

5. Image Optimization

Next.js provides a built-in component for optimized image loading. It handles lazy loading, resizing, and format optimization automatically.

Example:

import Image from 'next/image';

export default function Page() {
  return <Image src="/example.jpg" alt="Example" width={500} height={500} />;
}

Why it helps:

Optimized images reduce load times and improve Core Web Vitals scores, directly boosting user experience and SEO.

6. Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR)

Next.js lets you update static content without rebuilding the entire site, making it perfect for pages that need occasional updates.

Example:

export async function getStaticProps() {
  const data = await fetch('https://api.example.com/data');
  return {
    props: { data },
    revalidate: 10, // Regenerate every 10 seconds
  };
}

Why it helps:

ISR combines the performance of static pages with the flexibility of dynamic updates.

7. Built-in CSS and Sass Support

Next.js supports global stylesheets and CSS modules out of the box. It also allows you to use Sass for advanced styling.

Example:

import styles from './styles.module.css';

export default function Page() {
  return <h1 className={styles.title}>Styled with CSS Modules!h1>;
}

Why it helps:

This built-in support reduces setup time and simplifies styling workflows.

8. Fast Refresh

Next.js offers an enhanced hot-reloading experience, allowing developers to see changes instantly without losing the application state.

Why it helps:

It speeds up development by eliminating the need to restart the server for every change.

9. Turbopack (Experimental)

Next.js introduces Turbopack, a modern bundler that’s faster than Webpack, enabling quicker builds and reloads.

Why it helps:

Turbopack improves developer productivity by significantly reducing wait times.

Here is a table summarizing the discussion we have done in this section:

Next.js vs Others: Why Choose Next.js?

When dealing with what is Next Js, we might be confused while deciding on a framework for modern web development. For this it’s crucial to understand What is Next Js and how it compares to other options like React, Angular, and Vue.

Next.js vs React

React is a library focused on building user interfaces, while Next.js is a framework that enhances React by introducing essential features for full-stack and performance-oriented development.

Next.js combines React’s strengths with features like server-side rendering and incremental static regeneration, making it perfect for building scalable, SEO-friendly applications with less effort.

Next.js vs Angular

Angular, developed by Google, is a fully-fledged front-end framework that provides everything from routing to state management. However, it differs significantly from What is Next Js offers.

Next.js offers flexibility and performance without the steep learning curve of Angular, making it ideal for projects where simplicity and speed are priorities.

Next.js vs Vue

Vue.js is a progressive framework known for its simplicity and flexibility. However, Next.js shines in areas like SEO and performance optimization.

While Vue is simple and flexible, Next.js offers out-of-the-box features like static site generation and server-side rendering, which save development time and improve performance.

Why Next.js Stands Out

When comparing What is Next Js to other frameworks, it becomes clear that its key strengths lie in:

• Integrated features like routing, rendering, and optimization.
• Flexibility in choosing the rendering method best suited for your application.
• Developer experience that simplifies workflows and reduces the need for additional tools.

For developers and teams looking to balance performance, scalability, and ease of use, Next.js is a clear winner.

Next.js Trends and Future Outlook

What is Next Js is not just a question—it’s the key to understanding why this framework has become one of the most rapidly adopted tools in modern web development.

Rapid Adoption and Growth

Next.js has witnessed remarkable growth, quickly becoming a top choice for developers worldwide. According to a 2024 developer survey by Statista, 17.9% of developers actively use Next.js, showcasing its widespread adoption. The framework has positioned itself as a cornerstone of web development.

Adoption by Leading Companies

The power of Next.js has been recognized by some of the biggest names in the industry. Companies leveraging Next.js include:

• Netflix: Utilizes Next.js for high-performance marketing websites and interactive landing pages.
• Uber: Builds scalable and reliable web solutions for its global user base.
• TikTok: Creates dynamic, SEO-optimized web experiences.
• InVision: Delivers visually stunning applications for its design-centric audience.

These companies rely on Next.js to streamline workflows, improve user experience, and boost performance.

The Future of Web Development with Next.js

The future of web development revolves around speed, scalability, and ease of use—areas where Next.js shines. Here’s what lies ahead:

1. Unmatched Performance: With tools like Turbopack, Next.js is constantly improving its build times and application performance. Developers can expect faster, more efficient workflows.
2. Integration with Cutting-Edge Tech: As web development evolves, Next.js is set to integrate seamlessly with technologies like edge computing and AI, ensuring developers are always ahead.
3. Focus on SEO and Accessibility: Future updates will likely continue enhancing features that make applications built with Next.js rank higher and load faster, catering to the growing demand for accessibility and user-first design.
4. Growing Ecosystem: With the increasing adoption of Next.js, its ecosystem of plugins, tools, and community support is expected to expand, providing developers with more resources to build sophisticated applications.

Conclusion

Next.js has transformed web development by addressing key challenges like SEO, performance optimization, and server-side rendering. Throughout this Next.js tutorial, we covered:

• What is Next Js: A React-based framework designed to simplify modern web development.
• Key Features: SSR, SSG, ISR, built-in routing, and optimization tools.
• Next.js vs Others: How it outshines frameworks like React (alone), Angular, and Vue.
• Trends and Future: Rapid adoption by top companies and its evolving role in web development.

Next.js for beginners and professionals alike offers unmatched scalability and efficiency, making it an essential skill for the future of web development. Learn more from the official Next.js documentation and start building today!