Next.js vs. Blitz.js

What is Next.js ?

Next.js is a React-based framework that makes it super easy to build fast and scalable web applications. It gives you the power to choose between Static Site Generation (SSG), Server-Side Rendering (SSR), and even Client-Side Rendering (CSR) all within the same project.

Whether you’re making a personal blog, an e-commerce store, or a complex web app, Next.js simplifies the process while optimizing performance.

Key Features of Next.js

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• Fast Refresh: Instant feedback while developing, with live reload.
• File-based Routing: Create pages by simply adding files in the pages directory.
• Image Optimization: Built-in image optimization with the next/image component.
• Automatic Code Splitting: Load only the JavaScript needed for each page.
• Internationalization (i18n): Built-in support for multilingual websites.
• API Routes: Easily create serverless functions without needing a separate backend.
• Hybrid Rendering: Combine SSG and SSR in the same project.

Advantages of Next.js

• Flexibility: Mix and match SSG, SSR, and CSR as needed.
• Performance: Fast out of the box, thanks to automatic code splitting and static generation.
• Easy Deployment: Vercel, the creators of Next.js, offer seamless deployment.
• Active Community: Huge community support with tons of plugins and examples.
• SEO-Friendly: Server-side rendering means better SEO, as search engines can easily crawl the content.

Disadvantages of Next.js

• Learning Curve: It is built on React, concepts like SSR, ISR, and routing may confuse beginners.
• Build Times Can Be Long: Incremental Static Regeneration helps, but large sites may still face slow builds or re-builds.
• Limited Flexibility for Routing: File-based routing is simple but can feel restrictive for complex dynamic routes.
• Server Costs: Server-side rendering and API routes may require backend infrastructure, increasing hosting costs.
• Heavy JavaScript by Default: Without optimization, Next.js apps can ship more JS than needed, affecting performance.

What is Blitz.js ?

Imagine you wanto to build an app but setting up frontend, backend, APIs, database and it feels like overextended right ? That’s where Blitz.js comes in.

Blitz is like this super handy fullstack framework that sits on top of Next.js yup, the one you probably already know. Think of it like Rails but for React. You get Next.js goodies like (SSR, file-based routing, etc.), but Blitz throws in extra magic — like a zero-API data layer, built-in auth system, and easy database integration with Prisma.

Basically it is less boilerplate, more actual building.

Key Features of Blitz.js

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• Zero-API Data Layer – call server functions straight from the client, no need to write API endpoints manually.
• Built on Next.js – so you don’t lose all the SSR/SSG goodness.
• Auth included – login/logout stuff already sorted.
• Code Generation – scaffolding to spin up queries, pages, mutations super fast.
• TypeScript ready – works smooth with TS.
• Database via Prisma – easy database access, feels natural.
• Plugins – add common stuff like Tailwind, auth, etc. with one command.
  

Advantages of Blitz.js

• All-in-one: You don’t need to glue 10 tools together.
• Boosts productivity: Code scaffolding saves so much time.
• Zero-API layer: Less boilerplate, no boring API wiring.
• Still Next.js inside: You can keep SSR, static exports, etc.
• Databases: Works great with Prisma and SQL databases.
• Community is small but passionate: New recipes, ideas keep coming.

Disadvantages of Blitz.js

• Might be overkill: If all you need is a tiny static site, Blitz is too heavy.
• New learning curve: You need to understand queries/mutations instead of normal APIs.
• Smaller community: Not as huge as Next.js, so fewer tutorials and resources.
• Dependent on Next.js: Since it’s built on Next, any big shift in Next.js affects Blitz.
• Still maturing: Some features and ecosystem tools are not as polished as older frameworks.