A] Introduction
Next.js is one of the most loved and preferred frameworks for creating fast and SEO-optimised web applications. One of its strongest assets is its approach to rendering and data fetching. It has a large variety of features, such as Next.js SSR, Next.js preparing strategies beforehand, and customisable data fetching. This helps developers create web apps that are performant and easily scalable.
This blog will discuss the various rendering approaches and best practices for data fetching in Next.js to help you select the appropriate method for your application.
B] What does Pre-rendering mean in Next.js?
Pre-rendering in Next.js refers to building the HTML of the page before the user visits it, rather than accomplishing all of this in the browser. This makes your site load quicker and enhances SEO. Next.js provides two primary methods: Static Site Generation (SSG) and Server-Side Rendering (SSR).
With SSG, the pages are created before you develop the site. With SSR, the page is rendered every time it is accessed. Depending on your content, both have various applications.
Pre-rendering also helps decrease the time it takes to load the first part of your page. The right choice depends on whether your content remains constant or changes frequently. Understanding how these approaches work is crucial for creating a fantastic Next.js website.
C] Static Site Generation (SSG) in Next.js
Static Site Generation (SSG) in Next.js refers to the pre-created pages you use to create the site. The same HTML is then served for each and every visitor. This is right for blogs, product pages, or company sites where content doesn’t change much.
You can obtain the data while constructing the site so the page loads quickly. It also makes your site appear more prominently on search engines. Since the content is pre-cached, your server does not have to work harder when somebody visits. SSG is one of the best Next.js techniques if you need fast and predictable pages with content that does not change much.
D] Server Side Rendering (SSR) in Next.js
Server-side rendering (SSR) in Next.js is used when your website needs to show updated or personalised content every time someone visits. In this method, the HTML is made on the server for each request. This means users always see the latest data.
You can fetch data while the page is loading on the server, which is helpful for pages like dashboards, user profiles, or live updates. SSR is also good for SEO and gives users fresh content every time. If you’re looking at different tools for building dynamic websites, it’s a good idea to learn how other frameworks handle server-side work too.
E] What is Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR) in Next.js?
Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR) in Next.js brings the best of both worlds, SSG and SSR. Next.js ISR enables you to update static content after your site has been built and deployed. It lets you specify a revalidation time so the page automatically refreshes in the background. This is useful for big sites with many pages that don’t change frequently but need occasional refreshment. ISR speeds up your site while freshening up the content. It’s ideal for blogs, product pages, or docs pages.
F] How to Extract Data in Next.js Apps?
There are different ways to fetch data in a Next.js app, depending on how you want to show the content.
- You can use one method if your page is built ahead of time.
- Use another method if your page needs fresh data every time someone visits.
- You can also use special functions to fetch data on the client side after the page loads.
- For custom needs, you can make your own API routes inside your Next.js project
Need help with data fetching in Next.js
G] When to Use SSR vs. SSG in Next.js?
Choosing when to utilise SSR vs. SSG in Next.js is based on your content type. Use SSR if the content is user-specific or changes often. Go for SSG when the content is essentially static. For instance, product pages can be constructed with SSG, but a user dashboard is preferable with SSR.
To seek professional assistance, you can hire Next.js developers or get the services of a Next.js development company that is aware of your business requirements and can assist you with the appropriate strategy.
Also Read: Nest JS vs. Express JS
H] Best Practices for Next.js Data Fetching
To make your Next.js app fast and smooth, it’s important to follow some smart data fetching tips. Here are some simple practices that will help your app work better and be easier to manage.
- Use Static Site Generation (SSG) when possible for faster page loading
- Only fetch the minimum data you actually need
- Cache your data to avoid fetching the same thing again and again
- Show a loading message while data is being fetched on the client side
- Handle errors properly so the page doesn’t break if something goes wrong
- Validate your API responses to make sure the data is correct
- Keep your fetch code neat and organised using helper functions
- If you’re building special features, think about getting help from custom Next.js web development services for clean and future-ready code
I] Tips to Optimise Site Performance
To enhance performance, utilise image optimisation and lazy loading, and don’t use big JavaScript files. Compress your files and utilise native features in Next.js for script and image handling. Load only what every page requires in an attempt to restrict third-party scripts.
If you’re developing a business application, seeking assistance from professional Next.js developers can ensure your project is running smoothly from the start. With the proper steps, your website will be faster and rank higher on search engines.
Also Read: Next.js Web App Development: Frequently Asked Questions
J] Cost to Develop a Website Using Next.js
The price to develop a Next.js site varies with its complexity, design requirements, integrations, and features. A simple static site would range between INR 83,000 and 250,000. A dynamic application with SSR or custom integrations could be anything from INR 45,000 to 16,00,000 or even more. You would also need to factor in recurring expenses such as hosting, maintenance, and SEO. Having an experienced team work on it can make all the difference in quality and efficiency.
If you’re looking to build a business website, contact a reliable Next.js development company or a trusted software development company in India for accurate estimates and quality work.
K] Conclusion
Next.js provides developers with versatile rendering options like SSG, SSR, and ISR, making it ideal for building fast, SEO-optimised websites. Choosing the right data-fetching method depends on your content’s nature—static, dynamic, or a mix of both. By following best practices and leveraging built-in performance tools, you can create seamless user experiences and scalable applications.
Whether you’re building a simple site or a complex web app, Next.js offers the flexibility and efficiency needed for modern development. For high-quality results, consider working with a provider of professional Next.js development services who understands your business needs and delivers future-ready web solutions.