Overview
If you’re a beginner or new to the tech world, you’ve likely heard of React.js and Next.js, two popular modern frontend frameworks.
As a beginner, we often find ourselves choosing between different tools, libraries, and frameworks, and are always stuck trying to find which one is perfect for our project. However, making the right choice early can save you from a lot of rework and frustration later on.
React.js and Next.js are both powerful frameworks, but they come with slightly different purposes. React.js helps you to build beautiful, attractive interactive UIs(user interfaces), while Next.js, like an advanced version of React.js, comes with a range of helpful features like routing, server-side rendering, and SEO optimization, providing you with the support you need.
In this blog, we will break down the key differences between React.js and Next.js, whether you are a beginner or you’ve already launched a few projects. We will explore their advantages and disadvantages, how they work behind the scenes, and when to use each based on your project needs. Many web development companies, such as SGV SoftTech, have expertise in both React and Next.js.
Let’s get started.
What is React.js?
React.js is a popular JavaScript library used by developers to build dynamic user interfaces.
It was developed by Facebook in 2013 to solve the problem they faced. Since then, it has gained massive popularity in the developer community because of its simplicity, flexibility, and performance.
React.js uses a Component-based architecture that makes development fast and organized, enhances the utility of time, and ensures consistency—no need to change every page manually. You need to edit the component once, and the change will be reflected everywhere.
Advantages of React.js
1. Reusable Components
React allows you to build small pieces of code called components that can be reused all over your app. This saves time and makes your code clean and easy to manage.
2. Fast Performance
React uses Virtual DOM, which makes updates to the screen faster. Your app feels smooth and loads quicker.
3. Easy to Learn
If you are a beginner or an intermediate level (basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), you can start learning React easily. It’s beginner-friendly compared to other complex frameworks.
4. Strong Community Support
Facebook launched React, Facebook backs React, and has a huge global developer community. So, you’ll find tons of tutorials, libraries, tools, and solutions online.
5. SEO-Friendly
React apps can be optimized for search engines. This helps your website rank better on Google and reach more people.
Disadvantages of React.js
1. It Changes Often – React keeps updating and changing. That’s good for technology, but it can be tough for developers to keep up and update old code.
2. Only handles the UI – React is only famous for building the user interface (UI). If you want to use other features like routing or managing data, you need to use extra tools or libraries (like React Router or Redux).
3. Not fit for seo friendly – React is widely used for single-page applications (SPAs). In SPAs, if you are not appropriately handled (especially without server-side rendering), search engines may have trouble indexing content.
4. Too Many Choices – React gives developers a lot of flexibility. But sometimes, this freedom can confuse beginners, since there’s no one “right way” to do things.
What is Next.js?
Next.js is a tool that helps developers build user-friendly, SEO-friendly, modern web apps and websites. It is a React-based framework, or like an advanced version of React with supportive features of Server-Side Rendering (SSR), Image Optimization, Static Site Generation (SSG), etc.
Imagine you have to go to school every morning. React is like going to school on a bicycle. You have to pedal by yourself. It takes energy, time, and effort. While next is like going to school with a car, it’s fast, comfortable, and easy to use.
Advantages of Next.js
1. Server-Side Rendering (SSR):
A standard React app loads in the browser, but Next.js takes it a step further by creating the page on the server and sending it to the user. This not only makes the page fast but also enhances the user experience with its speed.
2. Static Site Generation (SSG):
If your page does not change frequently, then Next.js makes it a static file. Makes the website run even faster.
3. Routing is Easy:
In React, creating routing can be a hassle, but in Next.js, it’s a breeze. Just make a pages/folder and every file automatically becomes a route, simplifying the process for you.
4. API Routes:
With Next.js, you’re not just limited to creating web pages. You can also create APIs without needing a separate server, making it easy to handle tasks like form submissions and data fetching.
Disadvantages of Next.js
1. Confusion in Choices: Next.js offers too many options, such as SSR (Server Side Rendering) and SSG (Static Site Generation). That sounds good, but for a beginner, it may create Confusion.
2. Need special hosting: You can run a React app on regular hosting like Hostinger or GoDaddy. But you can host Next.js on Vercel or Netlify.
3. It takes time to understand routing: Next.js’s routing system is file-based. That means folders like [id].js, [slug].js have to be created. This is different from React Router.
4. It takes time to learn Next.js: If you’ve mastered React and can now easily understand Next.js, you might be surprised. Next.js introduces a lot of new concepts like server-side rendering, static site generation, API routes, and file-based routing. These concepts may be unfamiliar to those who are new to web development, so it’s crucial to invest time in understanding them.
Key Differences — React.js vs Next.js
| Feature | React.js | Next.js |
| Type | Library | Framework |
| Routing | Manual (React Router) | Built-in |
| Server-Side Rendering | Not built-in | Yes |
| SEO | Not ideal | Great for SEO |
| Static Site Generation | No | Yes |
| File-based Routing | No | Yes |
| Backend APIs | Needs external setup | Built-in API routes |
| Performance | Fast but needs setup | Optimised by default |
Conclusion
Use React.js if:
● You’re just getting started with frontend development
● You want complete control over every part of your app.
● Your app doesn’t need SEO features like server-side rendering.
● You’re building a simple web app, dashboard, or internal tool.
Use Next.js if:
● You want better performance and SEO
● You’re building a blog, an eCommerce site, or any public-facing website.
● You want built-in routing and server-side rendering without extra setup.
● You care about faster page loads and want automatic optimization.