NextJS vs. RedwoodJS: Which One is Better
Tags: nextjs, redwoodjs, javascript, react
Published: 2023-01-20 05:22:21

# NextJS vs. RedwoodJS: Which One is Better

## Introduction

[NextJS](https://nextjs.org/) and [RedwoodJS](https://redwoodjs.com/) are both popular JavaScript-based [web development frameworks](https://evolve.ie/q-and-a/what-is-a-web-framework/). It's natural for developers to want to use the best tools, frameworks, or [libraries](https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/web-development/programming-library-guide/) for their projects.

The primary reason why software developers use libraries or frameworks is to save time and avoid reinventing the wheel. Libraries or frameworks are pre-written pieces of code that can be easily integrated into a developer's own code, allowing them to add new features or functionality to their software without having to write everything from scratch. This not only saves time but also helps to ensure that the code is reliable and well-tested.

However, the "best" framework or library often depends on the specific needs of the project and the preferences of the developer.

NextJS and RedwoodJS both have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and which one is better ultimately depends on the specific needs and requirements of your project.

In this article, you will be introduced to both NextJS and RedwoodJS, you will learn about their similarities and differences, and you will be delved into a more detailed comparison of both frameworks.

![NextJS vs. RedwoodJS](https://i.imgur.com/E8yUt3x.png)

## What is NextJS?

![NextJS logo](https://i.imgur.com/klqhvdA.png)

[NextJS](https://nextjs.org/) is a framework for building [server-rendered](https://www.toptal.com/front-end/client-side-vs-server-side-pre-rendering) React applications. It is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a popular choice among developers who want to quickly build and deploy production-ready web applications. NextJS also offers automatic [code splitting](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Glossary/Code_splitting) and optimized performance out of the box, making it a good choice for building fast and scalable applications.

## What is RedwoodJS?

![Redwood logo](https://i.imgur.com/sU6aSVA.png)

[RedwoodJS](https://redwoodjs.com/), on the other hand, is a full-stack framework that uses React on the front end and GraphQL on the back end. It is designed to make it easy for developers to build and maintain complex web applications by providing a consistent structure and a set of conventions for how to organize their code. RedwoodJS also has built-in support for serverless deployment, making it a good choice for building and deploying applications that are scalable and cost-effective.

## NextJS: Key Features

NextJS's key features include;

- Automatic code splitting for improved performance,
- Support for server-side rendering,
- Built-in CSS-in-JS support,
- Easy optimization for search engines,
- Simple, easy-to-use API for building server-rendered,
- Statically generated React applications.

## RedwoodJS: Key Features

Some key features of RedwoodJS include:

- Built on top of React for the front end and Node.js for the backend
- Provides a powerful CLI for creating and scaffolding new projects
- Uses GraphQL for data management and manipulation
- Comes with an integrated permission system and authentication support
- Has built-in testing tools and support for continuous integration and deployment
- Designed to make it easy for developers to build and deploy web applications quickly and efficiently.

## Similarities between RedwoodJS and NextJS

In this section, you will learn about the similarities between these two frameworks; RedwoodJS and NextJS.

- Both frameworks are designed to make it easy for developers to create fast, secure, and scalable web applications.
- Both frameworks use [ReactJS](https://create-react-app.dev/) library for building user interfaces (UIs). This means that developers who are familiar with [ReactJS library](https://reactjs.org/) will find it easy to use either of these frameworks to build applications.
- Both frameworks support [server-side rendering](https://www.heavy.ai/technical-glossary/server-side-rendering), which allows developers to render web pages on the server instead of the browser consequently, improving the performance of your web application.
- Additionally, both RedwoodJS and NextJS support automatic code splitting, which allows developers to break their web applications into smaller chunks that can be loaded on demand.

## [Who uses NextJS?](https://trends.builtwith.com/websitelist/Next.js/)

NextJS is used to create user interfaces by widely successful organizations, including     Vercel, Uber, Airbnb, Twitch, Alibaba, Dropbox, ESPN, Twitter, and GitHub, among others.

## [Who uses RedwoodJS?](https://trends.builtwith.com/websitelist/RedwoodJS)

Major corporations rely on Svelte for their websites, including GitLab, OpenFn, Tidelift, Vercel, Replicated, Qardio, Honeybadger, Raygun, and Tidelift, among others.

## RedwoodJS vs. NextJS: A Technical Comparison

In terms of which framework is better, it really depends on the specific needs and requirements of your project. If you need a simple and easy-to-use framework for building server-rendered React applications, NextJS might be the better choice for you. However, if you need a full-stack framework with built-in support for GraphQL and serverless deployment, RedwoodJS might be a better fit. Ultimately, the best framework for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements.

| Features                          | RedwoodJS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | NextJS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| --------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Popularity**                    | Less popular                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | More popular                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
| **Performance**                   | ✅ High performance, though subjective to application and implementation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | ✅ High performance, though subjective to application and implementation                                                                                                                                                                           |
| **Testing**                       | The official test libraries for RedwoodJS are[Jest](https://jestjs.io/) and [React Testing Library](https://testing-library.com/docs/react-testing-library/intro/). These libraries are used to write and run tests for RedwoodJS applications, including unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests.                                                                                                                                           | Test libraries for Nex.JS are[Cypress](https://nextjs.org/docs/testing#cypress), [Playwright](https://nextjs.org/docs/testing#playwright), and [Jest with React Testing Library](https://nextjs.org/docs/testing#jest-and-react-testing-library). |
| **Virtual DOM**                   | ✅ Virtual DOM support                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | RedwoodJS is built on top of React, which uses the virtual DOM.                                                                                                                                                                                   |
| **Documentation**                 | Comprehensive and well-written[documentation](https://redwoodjs.com/docs/introduction)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | NextJS has a larger user base and community, which means that there is more user-generated content available, such as tutorials and guides, which may make the documentation for NextJS more comprehensive.                                       |
| **Learning Curve**                | Learning curve is relative to the developer's previous knowledge of ReactJS, web development, and GraphQL. If a developer has experience with React and is familiar with web development concepts, such as routing and server-side rendering, as well as GraphQL, the learning curve for RedwoodJS may be relatively steep. However, if a developer is new to React, web development, and GraphQL, the learning curve for RedwoodJS may be more gradual. | Learning curve is relative to the developer's previous knowledge of ReactJS and familiarity with web development concepts, such as routing and server-side rendering.                                                                             |
| **Typescript Support**            | ✅                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | ✅                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| **Support Server-side Rendering** | ✅                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | ✅                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
|                                   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
|                                   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
|                                   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |

## FAQs

### Can I learn RedwoodJS if I already know NextJS?

**Yes**, you can learn RedwoodJS if you already know NextJS. While RedwoodJS is built on top of NextJS, it has its own unique features and capabilities. Learning RedwoodJS will require you to become familiar with its core concepts and components, such as its GraphQL-based API and serverless functions. However, your knowledge of NextJS will likely make it easier for you to understand and work with the framework.

### Is RedwoodJS better than NextJS?

Both RedwoodJS and NextJS are popular choices for building server-rendered React applications, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the best choice for your project will depend on your specific requirements and priorities. It's always a good idea to evaluate multiple options and compare their features and capabilities before making a decision.

## Top Reads from our Blog

- [How To Deploy A Next.Js App To Production](https://blog.openreplay.com/how-to-deploy-a-nextjs-app-to-production/)
- [An Introduction To RedwoodJS](https://blog.openreplay.com/an-intro-to-redwoodjs/)
- [An Alternative To Next.JS? - Everything You Need To Know About RemixJS](https://blog.openreplay.com/an-alternative-to-nextjs-everything-you-need-to-know-about-remixjs/)
- [RedwoodJS, A New Framework](https://blog.openreplay.com/redwoodjs-a-new-js-framework/)

## Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between NextJS and RedwoodJS, it ultimately depends on the specific needs and goals of a project. Both frameworks offer their own unique features and benefits, and choosing the right one ultimately comes down to personal preference and the requirements of a project.

NextJS is a popular React-based framework that offers server-side rendering, automatic code splitting, optimized performance, and an easy-to-use development environment. It is widely used for building efficient, fast-loading, and SEO-friendly web applications.

On the other hand, RedwoodJS is a full-stack framework that provides a complete end-to-end development environment for building modern web applications. It uses GraphQL for data management and offers a powerful CLI tool, automatic code generation, and integrated testing support.

In terms of performance, NextJS is known for its optimized code and fast-loading pages, making it a great choice for building high-performance web applications. RedwoodJS, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive development environment, making it a good choice for projects that require a full-stack solution.

Overall, both NextJS and RedwoodJS are powerful and effective frameworks for building modern web applications. The choice ultimately comes down to the specific needs and goals of a project, as well as personal preferences.

This article was originally published by [Emmanuel Uchenna](https://blog.openreplay.com/authors/emmanuel-uchenna) on the [OpenReplay blog](https://blog.openreplay.com/nextjs-vs-redwoodjs--which-is-better/).