Next.js
Next.js is an open-source framework built on top of React, developed by Vercel. It extends React's capabilities with server-side rendering (SSR), static site generation (SSG), and a whole range of optimisations for performance and SEO. As a result, it lets you build websites that are not only interactive but also lightning fast and easy for search engines to index.
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SSR vs CSR — why it matters
Classic React applications use client-side rendering (CSR) — the browser downloads an empty HTML page and only then does JavaScript render the content. That's a problem for search engines, which may not wait for the rendering to complete. Next.js solves this with server-side rendering — the page is rendered on the server and the browser receives complete HTML. Search engines see the full content immediately. On top of that, the user sees the page faster because they don't have to wait for JavaScript to download and execute.
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Why we use Next.js at Appitect
Next.js is the main technology we build client websites on. We particularly value the App Router with React Server Components, which lets us send only a minimum of JavaScript to the client. Automatic image optimisation, font loading, and code splitting mean better Core Web Vitals scores with no extra effort. For our clients that means faster websites, better search rankings, and higher conversion rates.
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When to choose Next.js and when WordPress
Next.js is ideal for companies that need a fast, modern website with bespoke design and specific functionality. WordPress can be more suitable for simple blogs or sites where the client needs to frequently change the content themselves without technical knowledge. In practice, however, more and more clients are switching to Next.js for its speed, security, and flexibility. Plus Next.js can easily be paired with a headless CMS for convenient content management.
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Key features of Next.js
The main strengths include file-based routing (file structure = URL structure), API Routes for backend logic directly in the project, middleware for authentication and redirects, ISR (Incremental Static Regeneration) for updating static pages without a rebuild, and built-in support for internationalisation. Next.js 15 introduced Turbopack for faster development builds and improved caching.
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Practical example
Our website appitect.eu is built on Next.js. When you open any page, the server sends you complete HTML with all the content — search engines see everything immediately. Images are automatically compressed and served in WebP format. Pages load in under 1 second even on a mobile connection. Thanks to the App Router and Server Components, we send only the necessary JavaScript to the client, which dramatically reduces data usage and increases speed.
Interested in Next.js? We'll be happy to show you how it can speed up your website and improve your search rankings.
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