Introduction to Next.js

Next.js is a popular React framework that enables server-side rendering and static site generation out of the box. It simplifies building React applications by handling routing, code splitting, and performance optimizations automatically.

Key Features#

• File-based routing: Create pages by adding files in the pages/ directory.
• Server-side rendering (SSR): Render pages on the server for faster initial load and better SEO.
• Static site generation (SSG): Pre-render pages at build time.
• API routes: Build backend endpoints inside your Next.js app.
• Fast refresh: Instant feedback while developing.

Example#

Here is a simple Next.js page:

export default function Home() {
  return (
    <main>
      <h1>Welcome to Next.js!</h1>
      <p>This is a server-rendered React app.</p>
    </main>
  );
}

Why use Next.js?#

Next.js reduces the complexity of setting up React projects with SSR and SSG, making your apps faster and more SEO-friendly without extra configuration.

Comparison Table#

Custom Components Examples#

YouTube Embed Example#

Callout Example#