Is Next.js Hard? A Comprehensive Guide
One of the most used frameworks when building a React application is Nextjs. It has an amazing features like server-side rendering, static site generation, and really easy API integration. But with every technology, one of the expected questions that would come from a beginner is “Is Next.js hard?” In this tutorial, we will look into how complex it is to learn Next.js against some of the more popular frameworks and languages.
Next.js is a framework for building production-ready web applications based on React. It was developed by Vercel and supports server-side rendering, static site generation, and built-in routes. This features are not natively supported by React.
Is Next.js Hard to Learn?
The difficulty of learning Next.js depends on many factors, particularly your background and experience in web development, especially in React. Here are some factors that explain how difficult Next.js can be:
1. Familiarity with React : If you have some experience with React, then to study Next.js will be comparatively easier. Since Next.js is an extension of React, it is recommended that you have the knowledge of react before learning nextjs
2. JavaScript Experience: Since Next.js is based on the JavaScript framework, good knowledge of JavaScript is necessary. In other words, any developer that is comfortable with modern JavaScript will find the learning of Next.js much more easy.
3. Web Development Basics: Make Your self Familiar with HTML, CSS, and at least the client-server architecture of web development. Next.js introduces concepts like server-side rendering, so many things will be new for developers that are familiar only with client-side frameworks.
4. Learning Resources: Next.js is well-documented, with tutorials and it is has a growing community . This community is working toward smoothness in the learning process.
Comparing Nextjs with Other Popular Frameworks and Languages
In this section we will compare Nextjs with other languages
Next.js vs. React
– Difficulty: If you already know React, then learning Nextjs is quite easy. It won’t be wrong to say that Next.js is an extension of React; besides the basic features of React, which includes routing, SSR, and SSG is all featured in React.
– Use Case: React is beneficial in constructing component-based UIs, Nextjs is more fitted for full-fledged applications requiring SSR, SSG, and other advanced functionality.
Next.js vs Angular
-Difficulty: Angular is much more opinionated and it has a feature-rich framework compared to Next.js. So learning Angular would be difficult, with a steeper learning curve. It requires knowledge of TypeScript, RxJS, and the whole Angular complex ecosystem.
– Use Case:.Angular is suitable for enterprise of complex applications with maximum inbuilt tools available. While any developer who likes React and needs server-side capabilities should be targeting Nextjs.
Nextjs vs. Vue.js (Nuxt.js)
– Difficulty: Nuxt.js is the counterpart of Next.js, but for Vue.js, is equally hard to learn. In the end, both libraries try to make universal applications easier to develop. So, if you’re familiar with Vue, then it will be no different from learning Nextjs if you know React. Because their two are the same one is the counter part of the other.
-Use Case: Zeit is for Vue.js developers who want to server-side rendering or static site generation similar to what Next.js offers for React developers.
Next.js vs. Svelte (Sapper)
-Difficulty: Svelte and its related framework, Sapper, have been known for their ease of use and simplicity. The learning curve of Svelte is generally as not as steep as with React. However, Sapper has been deprecated in favor of SvelteKit, which may turn out to hold similar challenges in learning compared to Next.js.
– Use Case: SvelteKit is intended for developers who want a more modern syntax. It is less verbose than that of React and are seeking equivalent functionality to Nextjs.
Next.js vs. Django (Python)
Difficulty: Django is a full-stack Python framework Django deals with the frontend and the backend at the same time . It is a little bit difficult, especially if you do not know Python or web frameworks. In comparison, knowing JavaScript or React could make learning Nextjs easier than Python.
– Use Case : Django is the proper choice if you are a Python enthusiast and needs a full-stack framework. On the other hand, Next.js is best for frontend development with React, along with a separate backend integration.
5 Important FAQs About “Is Next.js Hard?”
Answer:No !. If you already know React, Next.js will be easy for you.
Answer:Yes, knowing React is necessary for learning Nextjs. Since Next.js is an extension of React
Answer: Well, this actually depends on the level of your experience. You will spend many weeks learning nextjs if you are a newbie but If you already know React and JavaScript, then probably in a few weeks you will get comfortable with Nextjs
Answer: Next.js could be applied by beginners if they have some good previous knowledge of JavaScript and React.
Yes. Nextjs is mainly used as a frontend framework, but there is an interface for building API routes that can do some backend logic for you
Conclusion if Nextjs is hard or not
Though Nextjs is a framework of react it shouldn’t be too hard to learn for any developer familiar with React and JavaScript.