Why Do You Need to Move Your Application to Next.js?

When it comes to building web applications, Next.js has emerged as the preferred JavaScript framework. The fundamental basis for its extensive usage is the flexibility towards building server-rendered static-generated applications.

Moreover, being a widespread framework, most new-age developers are adept in it, making its community grow.

When working with other frameworks, you might undergo issues with server rendering, Static site generation, automatic code splitting or a vulnerable community. All these could divert you from rolling out your product or service to its complete capabilities.

In this article, let's uncover the benefits of Next.js. And further how driving your application to Next.js with Sitecore will unfurl the possibilities for you to deliver the finest interactive interfaces and products.

About Next.js

Next.js is an open-source framework built on React library known for its server-side rendering capabilities. It offers a range of new features and tools to help developers build and deploy React-based applications, including built-in optimization, automatic code splitting, and server-side rendering.

Features of Next.js

• Next.js comes with a "Next.js Image component" that includes a variety of built-in performance optimizations to help you achieve your goal.
• Next.js is very flexible. It supports all browsers, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, etc.
• Next.js allows you to import CSS records from a JavaScript file.
• There is a lazy loading feature in Next.js. It allows you to control and manage the page loading speed.

Why Do You Need to Move Your Application to Next.js with Sitecore?

1. Next.js SDK is a good feature that Sitecore provides. It improves performance, reduces the load on backend servers, and ensures client-side application stability.

It simplifies JSS development by supporting internationalization, out-of-the-box (OOB) Server-side rendering (SSR), TypeScript, environment-level variable management, performance metrics, image optimization, management, lazy loading, etc.

2. Suppose developers use Next.js along with Sitecore. It enables developers to build components using the latest JavaScript library.

And also retain the benefits of Sitecore CMS (content management system), such as Experience Editor, Personalization, Sitecore Analytics functionality, etc.

3. The entire implementation can be done at the frontend and deployed later to Sitecore to create the necessary artifacts in Sitecore. It is not an issue if developers don’t have enough knowledge to work on Sitecore CMS.

4. Sitecore provides functionality to developers of different modes such as Connected Mode, Disconnected Mode, and Integrated Mode.

• In Connected mode, we host the application in your local environment, and you use content data from your Sitecore instance. It needs a running Sitecore instance.
• In Disconnected mode, we can run the entire application through the Next.js server. The whole data we can manage through the Next.js Application without the need for Sitecore CMS.
• In Integrated mode, it needs a running Sitecore instance. We can host the entire application from Sitecore itself.

5. Next.js uses two types of rendering to render the data on the browser. These are Server-side rendering (SSR) and Static Site Generation (SSG).

In Sitecore, we can use both renderings according to our requirements. If you already created the Next.js application using any of the renderings, then you can also switch to your desired rendering later.

Summing Up

Migrating to Next.js is a fitting choice for enterprises needing enhanced performance and the possibility to scale their application.

Moving your application to Next.js with Sitecore is even savvier. Sitecore furnishes you with Next.js SDK, which has an immense purpose in serving your needs.

Not only can you operate the latest JavaScript Libraries, but it also allows you to implement over frontend and then deploy to Sitecore.

Such a powerful integration will pump your development pace and let you roll out the finest interfaces and products with minimal effort and expenses. Get in touch with our team today to know more.