As the Sitecore CMS industry undergoes a paradigm shift to headless development, using frameworks like NextJS, developers need to consistently adapt their skill set to keep pace with this transformative trend. In this blog, we will explore the developer skills that may become less relevant or even obsolete with the increasing use of NextJS for headless development in the Sitecore CMS industry.

The Developer Roadmap for Mastering Headless Web Development

Extensive Sitecore CMS Knowledge: With the transition to headless development using NextJS, developers may find that their deep knowledge of the Sitecore CMS platform becomes less applicable. Since headless development decouples the front end from the back end, developers would no longer need to have as much of an in-depth understanding of Sitecore's platform-specific features and functionalities.

Traditional Back-end Development (Monolithic): In the headless approach, NextJS takes care of the front end responsibilities, leaving less need for traditional, monolithic back end development skills. Developers would not have to focus on server-side rendering (SSR) or complex back-end logic as NextJS handles these tasks. Instead, they must focus on building APIs and integrating various data sources with NextJS.

Server-Side Rendering (SSR): The Sitecore CMS relies heavily on server-side rendering (SSR) to deliver dynamic content. However, headless development with NextJS leans more towards client-side rendering (CSR) by default. As a result, developers may need to shift their focus from SSR to mastering client-side rendering techniques to optimize performance and improve the user experience.

Sitecore MVC Pattern: The Sitecore CMS traditionally uses the Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern, where developers work within the confines of Sitecore's MVC framework. However, with the advent of NextJS and headless development, developers can utilize modern JavaScript frameworks such as React. As a result, skills specific to Sitecore's MVC pattern may become less relevant, and instead, expertise in building components and utilizing React or other frameworks will be more valuable.

Sitecore-specific APIs and Pipelines: Developers proficient in Sitecore-specific APIs and pipelines, such as the Item Web API or the Sitecore services, may find that clients no longer recognize or value these skills, especially in the context of headless development. Instead, the industry focus will likely shift towards building APIs, utilizing RESTful principles, and integrating with various data sources to power the NextJS application.

System Integration with Sitecore: In a headless architecture, the integration of external systems with the Sitecore CMS becomes less critical. As NextJS provides the flexibility to connect to various data sources independently, developers may no longer need to extensively integrate with the Sitecore CMS as they would in a traditional Sitecore implementation.

Sitecore Experience Platform (XP) Customization: The Sitecore Experience Platform (XP) offers a vast range of features and customization options. However, with headless development using NextJS, developers may find that customizations specific to Sitecore XP, such as personalization, marketing automation, or analytics, become less relevant. Instead, skills based on the building of robust and scalable headless architecture would take precedence.

User Interface (UI) Templating in Sitecore: Developers familiar with the Sitecore UI templating engine, such as Web Forms for Marketers (WFFM), may find these skills less applicable in a headless NextJS context. As NextJS relies more on modern UI frameworks like React, developers should focus on honing their skills in front-end UI development with JavaScript frameworks and CSS techniques.

Sitecore-specific Workflow and Content Editing: Developers who are well-versed in Sitecore's workflow processes and content editing capabilities may find these skills less important in a headless development approach. As content editing and workflow management can be handled through alternative CMS platforms or headless CMS solutions, developers can focus more on building seamless data integration and dynamic content delivery solutions using NextJS.

Continuous Learning and Adaptability

While some developer skills may become less relevant with the shift to headless development using NextJS, the demand for continuous learning and adaptability remains a core requirement. Developers must stay updated with emerging trends, new technologies, and best practices in both the Sitecore CMS and headless development ecosystems to ensure they remain at the forefront of this growing industry.

Conclusion

As the Sitecore CMS industry gravitates towards headless development using frameworks like NextJS, developers need to adapt their skill set accordingly. While some traditional Sitecore-specific skills may become less relevant, this shift opens opportunities to master modern front-end frameworks, build flexible APIs, and connect with various data sources. By evolving their skill set and embracing the headless development approach, developers can position themselves for success in this emerging landscape and deliver innovative and exceptional digital experiences.

If you are looking to learn more about how to equip yourself with the most relevant skills in the world of headless web development, then reach out to us. Our team of certified Sitecore experts will guide you through your learning journey.