Next.js is a React framework designed to simplify the development of server-rendered React applications. It combines the power of React with server-side rendering capabilities, resulting in fast-loading, SEO-friendly web applications.
There is a clear distinction between frontend and backend development. The frontend is what users directly interact with, while the backend handles operations behind the scenes. Next.js, however, blurs these lines by operating in both domains.
In the frontend aspect, Next.js behaves like any other React framework. It allows you to build reusable components, manage state, and handle user interactions seamlessly.
On the backend side, Next.js interacts closely with backend functionalities. It enables you to fetch data from APIs, connect to databases, and perform server-side computations during the rendering process.
I spoke more about this in an article I wrote recently. The article also touches on Next.js' file-based routing system and dynamic pages which provides a clear and intuitive approach to route management.
If you're interested in learning more about how Next.js bridges the gap between frontend and backend development, check out the full article here. It's a great read for anyone looking to enhance their web development skills with Next.js.
What are your thoughts? Is Next.js a Frontend or Backend framework or is it both?
Top comments (1)
Is there really a point trying to determine what it is? Next.js provides a node.js server that contain a lot of frontend code, written in parallell with backend code. In the old days we would serve HTML (front end) embedded in server side code (like PHP).