Nextjs Not Fullstack Framework

Welcome back to another exciting blog post! Today, we’re diving into the world of Next.js and exploring whether it truly qualifies as a full-stack framework. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. But don’t worry, we’ll break down why that is and what you should be looking for in a full-stack framework. So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let’s get started!

What is Next.js?

Next.js is a popular framework built on top of React that offers a lot of great features for building web applications. It’s particularly well-suited for content-oriented sites, thanks to its powerful static site generation and server-side rendering capabilities. However, many developers, including myself at one point, have mistakenly thought of Next.js as a full-stack framework. Let’s unpack why that misconception exists and what it means for your development workflow.

The Misconception of Full-Stack

The confusion around Next.js being a full-stack framework stems from two main reasons:

1. Blurred Definition of Full-Stack: The term “full-stack” can be a bit nebulous, leading to different interpretations.
2. React’s Philosophical Direction: React is increasingly trying to bridge the gap between client and server, making it seem like a full-stack solution.

The Client-Server Model

To understand why Next.js isn’t a full-stack framework, let’s revisit the basics of the client-server model. When a client (your browser) makes a request, it goes through the network to reach the server. The server processes this request and sends back a response, usually in JSON format. Historically, React has been responsible for managing the UI on the client side, but things are changing.

React on Both Sides

React now runs on both the client and the server, thanks to frameworks like Next.js. This dual capability blurs the lines between client and server, making it easier to write code that runs on both sides. However, this doesn’t make Next.js a full-stack framework. It simply makes it a more versatile front-end framework.

What Next.js Offers

Next.js provides several features that make it a powerful tool for building web applications:

• File System Router: A solid routing system based on your file structure.
• Middleware Support: Basic middleware capabilities for handling requests.
• Server-Side Rendering (SSR): Rendering pages on the server for better performance.
• Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR): Updating static content without rebuilding the entire site.

These features are fantastic for static content and content-oriented sites, but they don’t cover the full spectrum of what a full-stack framework should offer.

What Makes a Full-Stack Framework?

To qualify as a full-stack framework, a tool needs to offer more than just client-server code execution. Here are some essential features that Next.js lacks:

1. Database Connections: Managing data with an ORM and handling connection pools.
2. Authorization and Authentication: Securely managing user access and permissions.
3. Database Migrations: Versioning and migrating your database schema.
4. Mailer System: Sending emails to users.
5. Async Tasks: Running background tasks and notifying users upon completion.
6. Cron Tasks: Scheduling regular tasks like cleaning up databases.
7. User Management System: Handling user profiles and login information.
8. Server-Side Events and WebSockets: Real-time communication between client and server.

The AdonisJS Example

AdonisJS is a Node.js framework that exemplifies what a full-stack framework should be. It offers a comprehensive set of features out of the box, including:

• ORM: For managing database connections and queries.
• Auth and Bouncer: For authentication and authorization.
• Flydrive: For connecting to S3 and other storage solutions.
• Rate Limiting: To prevent abuse of your API.
• Templating Language: Similar to React server components.
• Caching and Validation: For optimizing performance and ensuring data integrity.
• Social Logins and Internalization: For user convenience and global reach.
• Mailer and Server-Side Events: For communication and real-time updates.

Why AdonisJS is a True Full-Stack Framework

AdonisJS provides everything you need to build a full-featured application without having to cobble together various packages. It offers a unified syntax and a cohesive development experience, allowing you to focus on building your product rather than figuring out how to integrate different tools.

Conclusion

Next.js is a fantastic framework for building content-oriented sites, but it falls short of being a full-stack framework. If you’re looking to build a comprehensive application with all the bells and whistles, you’ll need a framework like AdonisJS that offers a complete set of features out of the box.

Thank you for reading, and I hope this post has clarified the differences between Next.js and a true full-stack framework. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Until next time, happy coding!