Introduction
React.js and Next.js are closely related, but they serve different purposes.
Choosing the right one depends on project requirements and desired features.
This guide by Diffcozen compares React.js and Next.js to help you make an informed decision.
React.js Overview
- Library for building UIs
- Client-side rendering (CSR) by default
- Uses JSX syntax
- Ideal for single-page applications (SPAs)
- Requires additional tools for SSR and SEO
Next.js Overview
- React framework for SSR and static sites
- Built-in routing and API support
- Optimized for performance and SEO
- Supports hybrid rendering (CSR + SSR + SSG)
- Ideal for production-ready, SEO-friendly apps
Key Differences
| Feature | React.js | Next.js |
|---|---|---|
| Rendering | Client-side only | SSR, SSG, CSR |
| Routing | Needs React Router | File-based routing |
| SEO | Limited | Excellent |
| Backend | Requires separate setup | API routes included |
| Performance | Depends on app structure | Optimized out-of-the-box |
Conclusion
Use React.js for simple SPAs or when flexibility is key.
Use Next.js when you need SEO, server-side rendering, or full-stack features integrated.
At Diffcozen, we teach both React.js and Next.js so learners can choose the right tool for their projects.