What makes Next.js the future of web applications?

Next.js has become more popular, moving from 11th to 6th place in 2023, according to a Stack Overflow survey. Next.js 13 is creating a stir in the dynamic web development landscape.

Let's explore the new features and enhancements introduced in Next.js 13 and how we can leverage them to build modern, high-performing web applications.

1. App directory for file-based routing

Next.js 13 has introduced a new directory for file-based routing. In simpler terms, each route now has a dedicated directory with a `page.js` file serving as the content entry point. This structure allows developers to include additional files in each path directory, such as `layout.js` for layout structure, `loading.js` for loading states, and `error.js` for error handling. This enhancement simplifies the routing process and provides a more intuitive user experience.?

Learn more: https://nextjs.org/docs/app/building-your-application/routing

2. React server components

A significant addition in Next.js 13 is the React server components. These allow developers to execute and render React components on the server side, leading to a quicker delivery, a smaller JavaScript bundle (which is essentially the packaged code that runs in the browser), and less expensive client-side rendering. Server components are automatically cached at build-time or runtime, offering additional performance benefits.

Learn more: https://makerkit.dev/blog/tutorials/nextjs13

3. Async components & data fetching

Next.js 13 has introduced async components, a new data-fetching method for server-rendered components. Developers can now render systems using Promises with async and await when utilizing async components. This feature simplifies data fetching and enhances the performance of server-rendered components.

Learn more: https://nextjs.org/docs/app/building-your-application/data-fetching/fetching

4. Streaming

Next.js 13 now supports streaming. In this context, streaming means that the server sends small bits of the UI to the client as it is generated, ensuring that larger chunks don't obstruct smaller ones. This feature significantly improves the loading times of web applications.

Learn more: https://www.techiediaries.com/nextjs-13-tutorial/

5. Turbopack

Next.js 13 introduced Turbopack, a new JavaScript bundler built in Rust. It is said to be the successor of Webpack. Turbopack promises to be significantly faster, improving the build times (the time it takes to compile the code into a format the browser can run) of Next.js applications.

Learn more: https://nextjs.org/docs/advanced-features/turbopack

6. Middleware

Next.js 13 has introduced a new feature called Middleware, which allows developers to run code before a request is completed. This feature empowers developers to act on a request before its completion. The incoming request's characteristics can dictate alterations to the response - possibilities include rewriting, redirecting, modifying the request or response headers, or even providing a direct response. Crucially, Middleware functions ahead of the matching of routes and the retrieval of cached content.

Learn more: https://nextjs.org/docs/app/building-your-application/routing/middleware

7. Case Study: Contentful and Next.js

Contentful, a platform known for its composable content capabilities, has effectively utilized the strengths of Next.js. They've developed highly scalable and dynamic static websites with superior search engine optimization (SEO) and boosted performance. By incorporating the new features of Next.js 13, they've optimized the delivery of their content and boosted their site's performance.

Check out this tutorial https://www.contentful.com/nextjs-tutorial/ . It provides a comprehensive guide on how to use Next.js with Contentful, demonstrating the practical applications of Next.js in real-world scenarios.

For more case studies like this, visit https://blog.logrocket.com/using-contentful-cms-next-js/

8. Other upgrades

Next.js 13 also brought specific enhancements to the functionality of links, and additional packages are on the way that could speed up image and font loading. These updates further enhance the performance and user experience of Next.js applications.

Learn more: https://www.techiediaries.com/nextjs-13-tutorial/

Next.js 13 has taken a significant leap forward in web development. With its new features, such as file-based routing, server components, async components, streaming, Turbopack, and Middleware, it continues to set the industry standard for building modern web applications. Senior developers must keep up with updates to develop efficient and high-performing web applications.

Let us know in the comments which feature of Next.js 13 you find helpful.