The battle of the best frontend technologies between Next JS and React is baffling the IT world. While React is a JavaScript library, NextJS is a full stack frontend framework. Before we discuss the Next JS vs React comparison, let’s straighten out the most essential factor.

Can you use NextJS alone?

No, you need to use ReactJS to leverage NextJs. This is because NextJS is a frontend framework built on the ReactJS library. You cannot use either of the two without using JavaScript, as both are based on JS only.

This blog details the React vs Next JS comparison to help you understand the differences between the two technologies and their interdependence.

Next js vs React js - What are the Key Differences?

Next.js	React.js
It is a framework built on React.js.	It is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces.
It is popular for server-side rendering and static generation of the websites.	It does not offer support for server side rendering.
It has a steep learning curve.	React JS has a simple learning curve.
Web apps built with the Next.js technology offer fast performances.	Web apps built with the React technology are comparatively slower than those built with Next.js.
Next.js is considered a full-stack framework but does not offer back-end features.	React.js is a frontend technology and does not offer backend capabilities..

What is ReactJS?

React is a JavaScript library designed by Facebook that helps you create friendly user interfaces for web apps. It allows developers to write once and use it anywhere, which means the developed code can be helpful in various applications. React JS developer can create beautiful user interfaces using JavaScript programming language.

Before we move on to Next vs React major differences, let’s have a quick look at their distinct features.

ReactJS Features

Virtual Dom: React leverages virtual DOM that allows rendering and performance optimization.
Reusable Components: It is built around reusable components self-contained pieces of code designed to handle complex UIs.
Unidirectional Data Flow: The flow of data goes from the parent to the child components through properties.
JSX Extension: React JS developers can write HTML-like code with the JSX extension, which makes it easier to create and manipulate UI elements.
Compatible Anywhere: Hiring a React JS developer allows you to build apps that run on various platforms, such as iOS and Android, and various web browsers.
State Management: It comes with built-in support for managing the state of components.
Routing Support: This means developers can create multi-page applications with distinct URLs for different sections of the applications.

What is Next.js?

Next.js is a React-based technology framework created by the Vercel team in 2016. It helps create SEO-powered React applications quickly. The technology framework is completely open-source and lightweight and provides additional structure, features, and optimizations for server-side rendering.

A Next.js developer can help you build landing pages, eCommerce websites, and marketing websites. The technology framework has various out-of-the-box features that help with building high-end applications.

Next.js Features:

Hot Code Reloading: Developers can use hot reloading or fast refresh to view the impacts of the code modifications.
Automatic Code Splitting: You can break the code into smaller fragments or manageable components.
Ecosystem Compatibility: The Next.js framework can easily integrate into the ReactJs and Node.js ecosystems.
Server Rendering: It powers the application with server rendering, meaning the initial page rendering is done on the server rather than the client. This leads to fast-loading applications with enhanced search engine indexing.
Automatic Routing: Developers can easily define routes in the React application using the Next.js framework.

Next js vs React - Detailed Differences Between the Two Technologies

Which one offers faster web development?

Next.js can help with faster time-to-market ideas as it has several features focused on facilitating web development. For example, the technology comes with its own compiler and also helps with build speeds.

Comparatively, developers have fewer wait times for viewing the changes made in the application code. This also ensures a harmonious environment for building the application code.

Data Fetching and Load Times

Next.js allows traversing the React tree and querying data on the server, which leads to pe-loaded page data. In contrast, applications written in vanilla React lack such features, leading to greater data fetching and load times.

Rendering and SEO

Applications written in Next.js are powered by pe-rendering. In contrast, React-powered apps leverage client-side rendering. The result is greater SEO strategies for Next. js-based applications.

Routing Capabilities

Next.js offers a well-structured, predefined file system that simplifies web page setup and routing. In contrast, React offers greater flexibility in routing with various standard libraries, such as React Router.

When to Use React.js Over Next.js?

Choosing a React js developer for hire can prove helpful for the following projects:

Building user interfaces or client-side rendering projects.
For handling projects with large datasets
The technology offers reliability even under poor or zero internet connection.
A project that requires multiple developers, such as React, has high community support.

When to Use Next.js Over React.js?

Next.js is an ideal choice for designing static websites that do not have complex routing. You can choose it for building the following types of applications:

Building JAMstack applications
Full-stack web development projects
Server-side rendering of applications
Statin website with certain dynamic applications

Wrapping Up

The true winner of the Next JS vs React JS debate differs for different projects. React developers best handle certain projects, while others may require you to go with Next.js experts. You can decide on the best technology for the project based on the precise requirements.

Next JS vs React : Which Framework to choose in 2024?