Next.js is one of the most powerful React frameworks and it is used to development fast, scalable web applications.
It has features like server components, routing, image optimization, and integrated backend APIs.
1. File-Based Routing
Next.js uses simple file based routing system. The folder structure becomes the routing system. No need to install or configure external routing libraries like React Router.
How to define route
/app/home/page.js → /home
/app/user/page.js → /user
/app/user/[id]/page.js → /user/:id
2. Server Components (Default)
Next.js uses React Server Components (RSC) by default, which run on the server instead of the browser., which has
- Improve performance
- Reduce bundle size
- Enable backend logic inside components
3. Server-Side Rendering (SSR)
Next.js renders pages on every request.
Benefits of SSR
- Better SEO
- Faster load time for the first page
- Fresh content
4. Static Site Generation (SSG)
Next.js can pre-render pages during build-time. It generates fast and stable static HTML.
Benefits of SSG
- There is no server load.
- It is a SEO-friendly.
- It is extremely fast.
- It is used content served via CDN.
5. Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR)
ISR is used to update static pages without rebuilding the entire project.
How it works?
1. It is used to set a revalidate time (e.g., 10 seconds).
2. It is used to rebuilds only the required pages.
3. Old page is served until the new one is ready.
Benefits of ISR:
1. It is used to fast build.
2. It is used for large sites (e-commerce, blogs).
6. API Routes
Next.js allows you can create backend APIs inside the project.
Location of API Routes:
/app/api/ or /pages/api/
Benefits of API routes
1. There is no need for external backend.
2. It is secure server-side logic.
3. You can create frontend + backend for same project.
7. SEO Optimization
Next.js provides built-in SEO tools.
Benefits of SEO Optimazation
1. It is used to Higher rank on Google.
2. It is used for better social sharing.
3. IT has accurate page metadata.
Features of Next.js – Interview Questions
Q 1: What are the key features of Next.js?
Q 2: What is automatic code splitting in Next.js?
Q 3: Does Next.js support API development?
Q 4: What is image optimization in Next.js?
Q 5: Does Next.js support TypeScript?
Features of Next.js – Objective Questions (MCQs)
Q1. Which routing approach does Next.js use?
Q2. Which feature allows data fetching on every request?
Q3. Which component is used for optimized images in Next.js?
Q4. API routes in Next.js are used to:
Q5. Which feature allows updating static pages without rebuilding the app?