Introduction

Next.js is a powerful React framework that enables developers to build fast, user-friendly web applications with ease. Whether you're new to React or looking to enhance your skills with server-side rendering (SSR), Next.js provides the tools and conventions to help you succeed. In this blog post, we'll walk through the basics of Next.js and guide you in building your first SSR app.

What is Next.js?

Next.js is an open-source framework built on top of React. It offers features like:

Server-side rendering (SSR)
Static site generation (SSG)
API routes
File-based routing
Built-in CSS and Sass support
Image optimization

These features make it easier to build production-ready React applications with improved performance and SEO.

Why Use Next.js?

SEO Friendly: SSR and SSG help search engines index your content more effectively.
Performance: Automatic code splitting and image optimization make your app faster.
Developer Experience: Simple routing, hot reloading, and built-in API routes speed up development.
Flexibility: Choose between SSR, SSG, or client-side rendering as needed.

Setting Up Your First Next.js Project

Let's get started by creating a new Next.js app.

1. Install Node.js

Make sure you have Node.js installed on your machine.

2. Create a New Next.js App