Building Modern Web Applications with Next.js
Explore the power of Next.js 15 and React 19 for creating high-performance web applications with server-side rendering and modern React features.
Building Modern Web Applications with Next.js
For founders and development teams who want to ship production-ready web applications in 30 days, Next.js 15 and React 19 provide the fastest path from idea to deployment. Having built and shipped applications like and , I've seen firsthand how Next.js accelerates development while maintaining code quality.
Next.js has revolutionized how we build web applications. With the release of Next.js 15 and React 19, developers now have access to powerful features that make building scalable, performant applications easier than ever.
SSR vs SSG: When to Use Each
Understanding when to use Server-Side Rendering (SSR) versus Static Site Generation (SSG) is crucial for optimal performance:
Use SSR when:
- Content changes frequently (dashboards, user-specific data)
- You need real-time data on every request
- SEO is important but content is dynamic
Use SSG when:
- Content is relatively static (blogs, documentation, landing pages)
- You want maximum performance and CDN caching
- Build-time data fetching is sufficient
// SSG Example
export async function generateStaticParams() {
const posts = await fetchPosts()
return posts.map((post) => ({ slug: post.slug }))
}App Router & React Server Components in Next.js 15
The App Router introduced in Next.js 13+ is now the recommended approach. React Server Components (RSC) allow you to:
- Reduce JavaScript bundle size by keeping server logic on the server
- Improve initial page load performance
- Simplify data fetching patterns
// Server Component (default)
async function BlogPosts() {
const posts = await fetchPosts() // Runs on server
return posts.map(post => <PostCard key={post.id} post={post} />)
}
// Client Component (when needed)
'use client'
function InteractiveButton() {
const [count, setCount] = useState(0)
return <button onClick={() => setCount(count + 1)}>{count}</button>
}Deploy to Vercel: CI/CD Setup
Deploying Next.js applications to Vercel is seamless with built-in CI/CD:
- Connect your repository to Vercel
- Automatic deployments on every push to main
- Preview deployments for pull requests
- Environment variables managed in the dashboard
For custom CI/CD, you can use GitHub Actions or similar tools to build and deploy.
Performance & Caching Strategies
Next.js provides multiple caching layers:
- Request Memoization: Automatic deduplication of fetch requests
- Data Cache: Persistent cache for fetch requests
- Full Route Cache: Static rendering cache
- Router Cache: Client-side navigation cache
// Revalidate every hour
export const revalidate = 3600
// Or use on-demand revalidation
export async function GET() {
revalidatePath('/blog')
return Response.json({ revalidated: true })
}Best Practices
- Use the App Router: Next.js 13+ introduced the App Router, which provides better performance and developer experience
- Optimize Images: Always use the Next.js Image component for better performance
- Leverage Server Components: Use Server Components by default for better performance
- Implement Proper Caching: Use Next.js caching strategies for optimal performance
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Pages Router and App Router?
The Pages Router is the original Next.js routing system, while the App Router (introduced in Next.js 13) uses React Server Components and provides better performance, improved data fetching, and a more intuitive file structure.
Should I migrate from Pages Router to App Router?
If you're starting a new project, use the App Router. For existing projects, migration depends on your needs. The App Router offers better performance and developer experience, but migration requires refactoring.
How do I handle authentication in Next.js?
Next.js works well with authentication libraries like NextAuth.js, Clerk, or Auth0. For server-side authentication, use middleware to protect routes.
Can I use Next.js for e-commerce?
Absolutely. Next.js is excellent for e-commerce with features like static generation for product pages, server-side rendering for dynamic content, and API routes for checkout processes.
Conclusion
Next.js continues to evolve, providing developers with the tools they need to build modern, performant web applications. Whether you're building a simple blog or a complex SaaS application like the ones I've shipped, Next.js has you covered.
Ready to build your Next.js application? Book a 15-minute consultation call to discuss your project, or view my services to see how I can help you ship faster.
Yassine Ifguisse
Software Developer & Ai SaaS Developer
Building modern web applications with Next.js, React, and TypeScript. Passionate about creating scalable solutions and sharing knowledge through code. I am also a passionate about building ai saas products and services.
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