The Sitecore CMS enables web development using both ReactJS as well as NextJS frameworks. Whether it's ReactJS with its component-based architecture and virtual DOM, or NextJS with its server-side rendering and built-in routing, let your development team leverage the full potential of Sitecore CMS for their web development endeavors.

In this blog, we explore the distinctive functionalities of each of these frameworks, outline the differences in their usage, and ultimately make it easier for developers to choose either to build websites.

ReactJS

ReactJS is an open-source library built by Facebook for creating the best user interfaces for web applications. This library enables developers to write code once and use it on multiple occasions, anywhere and anytime. Both JavaScript and TypeScript may be used to create the components.

Using React components ensures that every code or logic for that specific page need not be reprocessed. React components can be stateless or stateful and only re-render within the scope of the applied state.

Features of ReactJS

Let us now look at the distinctive features that give React a significant edge over other frameworks. These include:

• JavaScript Syntax Extension (JSX)
• Component
• Virtual DOM
• One-way data binding

NextJS

NextJS, on the other hand, is a light framework built on top of React that enables the creation of faster and server-rendered websites. Much like ReactJS, NextJS, developed by the team at Vercel, is also open source.

The NextJS framework is used by some of the biggest names in the tech industry, including Airbnb, Twitter, and Uber. One of the key features of NextJS is its ability to automatically code-split your application, meaning that each page only loads the necessary JavaScript for that page view. This results in faster loading times for pages and a much-improved user experience.

Features of NextJS

The following features make NextJS a cutting-edge tool for developers:

• File system routing
• Server-side rendering
• Static site generator
• Image optimization
• Automatic code splitting
• Type script support
• API route

Comparing ReactJS and NextJS

Now that you have a better understanding of the features of both frameworks, let us compare them to identify their best usage scenarios.

For starters, it is important to note that ReactJS supports both client-side and server-side renderings whereas NextJS only supports server-side renderings.

Dynamic websites like those intended for stock market trading, should ideally be developed using the client-side renderings of ReactJS, while for static websites like brand-centric storefronts and other e-commerce interfaces where content is usually not refreshed much, it is best to use server-side renderings. This ensures crucial benefits like caching and SEO-friendly functionalities that likely play a huge role in enhancing digital presence and ultimately driving business growth.

Companies like Vercel, Netflix, Hulu, and Uber are built using NextJS whereas companies like Facebook, Instagram, and Dropbox are built using ReactJS.

If you want to use Static site generation features, use NodeJS, a framework built on ReactJS.

However, while deciding to choose which framework to use for building your website using the Sitecore CMS, it is important to account for the fact that the Sitecore personalization features are not supported in Node.js but are instead supported in ReactJS.

Conclusion

While both ReactJS and NextJS offer unique propositions and functionalities, they are best leveraged when used in specific suitable scenarios. Identifying and understanding when to choose either of these frameworks is a crucial step in ensuring the smooth functioning and seamless scalability of your website, and ultimately your business.

If you are planning to build your website using the Sitecore CMS and are keen to learn more about which of the frameworks would be best suited to address the needs of your business, then reach out to us. Our team of Sitecore-certified experts can not only guide you in identifying the most suited framework but also help in effective implementation to help drive desirable and tangible business outcomes.