Next.JS vs Gatsby.JS – Which one to choose when?

Comparative analysis between different technologies is quite obvious whenever anything new surfaces. Such comparative analyses are way lot active in this era of digitization. From this perspective, the comparison between GatsbyJS and that of NextJS is quite obvious.

Gatsby and Next.js — maybe the most famous frameworks for React.js. While Gatsby is merely a static site generator, Next.js is a multi-talent. But in the end, we can also use Next.js very nicely as a static site generator for React.

When deciding between Gatsby and Next, how do you determine which framework is best? Let’s explore the key differences between the two.

Let’s begin with a look at what it’s like to start up a site with Gatsby versus Next.js.

What is Gatsby.JS?

Gatsby is an open-source static website generator (SSG) that is based on the frontend development framework React and makes use of Webpack and GraphQL technology. It can be used to build static sites that are progressive web apps, follow the latest web standards, and optimized for speed and security.

Gatsby is mostly used for building those websites where the number of pages is predictable, and the content mostly remains static.

The benefits of using Gatsby.JS

1. Websites built using Gatsby are at least 2–3 times faster than other similar kinds of sites in the fray.
2. This meets well with the PRPL pattern of Google that can enhance a site’s performance over any smartphone.
3. Gatsby allows you to grow your margin by cutting the costs of hosting and updates
4. Enriched with high-end plugins and themes, one can build web app using Gatsby.JS within a few minutes.
5. Once the developer has created the source code, Gatsby takes care of the rest by compiling the most efficient Webpack configuration to build the website.

What is Next.JS?

Next.js is a javascript framework built with react js, webpack, and babel. Next.js helps the developer easily create a static generation (SSG) and server-side rendering (SSR) website.

The process uses features such as Single File components, Automatic Code Splitting, Hot Code Reloading,and the like to enable developers to build attractive React Websites. Next.js helps to optimize your website. Recently lots of developers working with Next.js.

The benefits of using Next.JS

1. Static page generation. Apart from SSR, Next JS fully supporting static page generation at the build time.
2. This is quite smart to deliver both the CSS as well as JavaScript essential for a specific page. It boosts the performance of the page, enabling the user to view the content page faster.
3. It includes a host of ready-to-use components that fast-track the process of building the MVP (Minimum Viable Product).
4. Next.JS renders websites server-side, which means the HTML is delivered when a client’s request is received. It means that one can create a page dynamically as per the data provided through the request.
5. It offers developers the benefit of HMR (Hot Module Replacement). This allows them to see all the changes they have made during development — live in the application, at the very moment they have been carried out.

Next.JS and Gatsby.JS — What are the differences?

• Next can generate HTML/JS/CSS at runtime, whereas Gatsby creates pure HTML/JS/CSS at build time.
• As far as data handling is concerned, the decision remains entirely upon the user in the case of Next.JS. Whereas Gatsby depicts users about the way, they should deal with the data within the app.
• While Gatsby is a static site generator tool, Next is a hybrid tool for server-side rendered pages and a static sites generator.
• The basic difference between Next.JS and Gatsby.JS is that the Next.JS demands a server for its functionality, especially when it comes to enabling the features of SSR. On the other hand, Gatsby can function well without any server.
• Since Gatsby is centered around easily adjustable plugins and offers an extensive suite of themes and templates, the process of developing a fully working application is faster in Gatsby than in Next.

So what should I choose?

Whether you should use Gatsby or Next depends very much on your use case, as really they are both awesome.

When to use GatsbyJS?

GatsbyJS is best to use with a website which will not grow to be an encyclopedia.

If your website has less number of authors and new contents are published once or twice a day then GatsbyJS may be fine.

When to use Next.js?

If you are building a website with multiple users creating user accounts and then commenting on the content on the page, then Next.JS would be an ideal choice for you.

Next.js provides the best scalability solution with all SEO benefits in a React.js application.

A choice of big players:

Both Gatsby and Next.js are used by big players who care about technology and are future proof professionals.

Next.js :-

1. Netflix Jobs website
2. Mobile version of Twitch
3. TikTok
4. InVision
5. Hulu
6. IGN

Gatsby.js:-

1. SendGrid
2. Airbnb Engineering
3. Nike
4. Braun Canda
5. Figma
6. Impossible Foods

Both Next and Gatsby are extremely impressive frameworks, and users are advised to be mindful of their project requirements at the outset before they opt for either framework.

Choose for yourself. Both of them are amazing!

If you have any further React questions or need help with building your website using React, feel free to Connect with Revaalo labs your one stop solution for Digital Transformation needs.