Next.js is a React framework that enables server-side rendering, static site generation, and other advanced features with zero configuration. It provides a powerful foundation for building production-ready React applications.
Next.js Anti-Patterns Overview
Next.js, despite its powerful features and optimizations, has several common anti-patterns that can lead to performance issues, maintenance problems, and poor user experience. Here are the most important anti-patterns to avoid when building Next.js applications.
Not Using the Correct Data Fetching Method
Using client-side data fetching for content that could be pre-rendered leads to poor performance and SEO. Choose the appropriate data fetching method: getStaticProps
for static content, getServerSideProps
for dynamic content, and client-side fetching only for user-specific or frequently changing data.
Not Using Image Optimization
Regular <img>
tags don’t benefit from Next.js’s automatic image optimization. Use the next/image
component to get automatic image optimization, lazy loading, and proper sizing.
Not Using Next.js Link Component
Regular anchor tags cause full page reloads. Use the next/link
component for client-side navigation between pages, which is faster and preserves state.
Misusing the API Routes
Using API routes to fetch data for getStaticProps
or getServerSideProps
creates unnecessary network requests. Import the data fetching logic directly in both server-side functions and API routes.
Not Using Incremental Static Regeneration
Using getServerSideProps
for content that doesn’t change frequently adds unnecessary server load. Use Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR) with revalidate
for content that changes occasionally.
Not Optimizing for Core Web Vitals
Loading large JavaScript libraries upfront hurts performance metrics like Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) and Time to Interactive (TTI). Use dynamic imports, code splitting, and prioritize loading critical content first.
Not Using TypeScript
Not using TypeScript can lead to runtime errors and makes refactoring more difficult. Use TypeScript to catch errors at compile time and improve code maintainability.
Not Using Layout Components
Duplicating layout code across pages leads to maintenance issues. Use layout components or the App Router’s layout system to share common UI elements across pages.
Not Using Next.js Config Properly
Not configuring Next.js properly means missing out on important optimizations and features. Use the Next.js config file to configure image domains, internationalization, redirects, headers, and other important settings.
Not Using Error Boundaries
Without error boundaries, a runtime error in a component can break the entire page. Use error boundaries to gracefully handle errors and display fallback UIs.
Not Using Server Components Properly
Using client components for everything in Next.js 13+ misses the benefits of server components. Use server components for data fetching and rendering static content, and client components only for interactive parts of your UI.
Not Using Proper Caching Strategies
Not implementing proper caching strategies can lead to unnecessary API calls and slower performance. Use appropriate caching headers and Next.js’s built-in caching mechanisms like ISR and the fetch API’s cache options.