ReactJS vs Next.js: Which One Should You Choose for Your Next Project?
Tags: react, nextjs, javascript, beginners
Published: 2023-02-17 13:38:16

ReactJS and Next.js are two popular JavaScript libraries that are commonly used for building web applications. ReactJS is a JavaScript library used for building user interfaces, while Next.js is a framework built on top of ReactJS that makes building server-side-rendered web applications a breeze.

In this article, we will compare ReactJS and Next.js and discuss their features, advantages, and disadvantages to help you decide which one is the best fit for your next project.

Loading Time:
When it comes to loading time, both ReactJS and Next.js have fast loading times. ReactJS is a lightweight library that loads quickly, making it ideal for single-page applications. Next.js, on the other hand, has a slightly longer initial load time due to its server-side rendering capabilities. However, this is offset by faster subsequent page loads, making it ideal for complex applications.

Development Time:
ReactJS and Next.js are both easy to learn and quick to develop with. ReactJS has a vast community of developers and is straightforward to set up, making it a favorite among developers. Next.js, being built on top of ReactJS, is also easy to learn and has additional features that make it even easier to develop with, such as automatic code splitting and optimized performance.

Deployment Time:
ReactJS and Next.js both have a fast deployment time. ReactJS can be easily deployed to various platforms, including web, mobile, and desktop. Next.js, being a full-stack framework, has in-built support for server-side rendering and can be easily deployed to various platforms, making it ideal for large-scale projects.

Community:
ReactJS has a vast community of developers who constantly contribute to the growth and development of the library. This community provides support, tools, and resources that are essential for any developer. Next.js, being a relatively new framework, has a smaller community, but it is growing rapidly, and there is already a vast repository of resources and tools available for developers.

Number of Developers:
ReactJS has been around for longer and has a vast number of developers worldwide. This makes it easier to find experienced ReactJS developers, making it a popular choice for many businesses. However, the number of [Next.js developers is also growing](https://www.cronj.com/hire-next-js-developer), and the framework is quickly gaining popularity.

Salary:
[ReactJS developers are in high demand](https://www.cronj.com/hire-react-js-developers.html), and their salaries reflect this demand. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a ReactJS developer in the US is around $113,000 per year. Next.js developers, being a relatively new field, are in slightly less demand, and their salaries are slightly lower, with an average salary of around $97,000 per year.

Skills:
ReactJS and Next.js both require a similar skill set, including knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. However, Next.js also requires knowledge of server-side rendering, which may be an additional skill to acquire for some developers.

In conclusion, ReactJS and Next.js are both excellent choices for building web applications. ReactJS is an excellent choice for single-page applications, while Next.js is ideal for large-scale and complex applications. The decision to use ReactJS or Next.js ultimately depends on the specific requirements of your project. However, given their many advantages, including their fast loading and deployment times, ease of development, and excellent developer community, both ReactJS and Next.js are excellent choices for any web application project.