Next.js
The React framework that powers the modern web
Overview
Next.js has become synonymous with production React development. It provides the architecture decisions that React intentionally leaves open - routing, data fetching, rendering strategies, and deployment - letting teams focus on building product rather than configuring infrastructure.
The App Router, built on React Server Components, represents the current state of the art in web application architecture. Server Components reduce client JavaScript, streaming enables instant page loads, and the layout system eliminates redundant re-renders during navigation. For data-heavy applications, the performance improvements are substantial.
Vercel's deployment platform is optimized for Next.js, but the framework deploys anywhere - Node.js servers, Docker containers, or edge runtimes. This flexibility means you are never locked into a single hosting provider, even as you benefit from tight integration when using Vercel.
Key Features
App Router
File-based routing with layouts, loading states, and error boundaries
Server Components
Render components on the server for smaller bundles and faster loads
API Routes
Build backend APIs alongside your frontend in the same project
Static & Dynamic
Mix static generation and server rendering per-page
Streaming
Progressive page rendering with Suspense boundaries
Image Optimization
Automatic image resizing, format conversion, and lazy loading
Why We Recommend Next.js
Next.js is our default framework for client projects. The App Router architecture, combined with Vercel's deployment platform, gives us the best combination of developer productivity and production performance available today.