Month: November 2023

This article was originally published on .cult by Tharaka Romesh. .cult is a Berlin-based community platform for developers. We write about all things career-related, make original documentaries, and share heaps of other untold developer stories from around the world.

Next.js is a flexible React framework that plays an exciting role in today’s fast-paced web development world. Its importance in the evolving landscape of web development cannot be overstated. Thanks to its combination of server-side rendering, static site creation, and client-side rendering capabilities, more and more engineers choose it. By providing an organised and efficient development environment Next.js accelerates the process of creating high-performing applications.

In this article, we’ll explore the performance benefits and developer-friendly features that establish Next.js as one of the top choices among React frameworks.

1. Enhanced application performance with Server-side Rendering (SSR)##

Server-side rendering is a potent approach that can significantly enhance your web application’s performance. It reduces the first-page load time by rendering the initial HTML on the server. This leads to faster content access, increased engagement, and satisfaction. Server-side rendering improves app performance, especially on mobile devices. It’s a great way to provide a fast user experience.

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React server components

Next.js now fully supports React Server Components, empowering developers to seamlessly incorporate server-side code within their React components. With React Server Components, developers have the flexibility to write intricate server-side logic, including database queries, directly into their components. This logic is executed on the server side during rendering, significantly reducing the amount of data transferred from the server to the client. As a result, websites perform optimally and load faster.

2. Optimised image loading

Next.js also offers a convenient image optimisation feature that can greatly enhance your application’s performance. This feature is supported by the Next.js Image component, which is specifically designed to facilitate the loading of images on web pages while ensuring optimal performance. The image component comes equipped with a range of built-in performance optimisations, including:

Size optimisation

Automatically serve correctly sized images for each device, using modern image formats like WebP and AVIF.

Visual stability

Prevent layout shift automatically when images are loading.

Faster page loads

Images are only loaded when they enter the viewport using native browser lazy loading, with optional blur-up placeholders.

Asset flexibility

On-demand image resizing, even for images stored on remote servers.

3. Reduced initial load time with automatic code splitting

JavaScript code splitting refers to the process of decomposing a large bundle of code into smaller, more manageable chunks. These smaller pieces can be dynamically loaded, which helps to reduce the initial loading time and makes the application more responsive. The process of performing code splitting in Next.js is straightforward.

Enhance application initial load

Automatic Code Splitting will enhance the initial load time by loading only the code that is required for that specific page. This means that every file in your directory

/pages will be separated into its own JavaScript bundle during the build step.

Perform code splitting at the component level

Dynamic imports will help to perform split code at the component level. This allows you to load only the necessary code for the part of the site the user is using.

4. Application performance improvements with caching

Next.js provides several caching mechanisms to improve your application’s performance and reduce costs. Next.js confidently caches routes and data requests by default for superior performance and cost savings.

Data cache

Caching data is essential in web development for faster page loading times. Fortunately, Next.js offers built-in support for caching data, whether it’s for a specific request or an entire route segment. Next.js automatically caches and deduplicates

fetch() requests by default. Hence, if you make the same request twice, the second request will reuse the result from the first request.

Router cache

When a React Server Component loads, it keeps its data in memory within a cache known as the Router Cache. This cache is divided into individual route segments and is used to enhance the navigation experience by keeping track of previously visited routes and pre-fetching future routes.

Full route cache

Next.js implements Full Route Cache, a caching mechanism that stores HTML and React Server Component (RSC) payloads on the server to reduce server requests on navigation, thereby improving performance.

Apart from the caching mechanisms mentioned above, Next.js also utilises Request Memoization, a caching technique that works with React and fetch.

5. Reduce backend load with Incremental Static Generation (ISG)

Static Site Generation (SSG) is a common approach for creating static pages, although it has limits for incorporating dynamic information. The use of Incremental Static Generation (ISG) is an excellent answer to this problem. It enhances SSG by allowing dynamic content to be modified during the construction process without having to regenerate the entire site. ISG is a hybrid system that combines SSG and SSR features. When a page is requested for the first time, it is dynamically produced. In contrast to SSR, where the visitor must wait for data to be retrieved, a fallback page is served instantly with ISG.

Faster builds

ISG enables faster builds by updating only changed content since the last build. This is particularly useful for sites with dynamic content.

Reduced backend load

When using ISG, more content can be pre-rendered and cached at build time, reducing the need for server-side rendering and thus decreasing server load.

Next.js is a popular choice among developers who prioritize web application performance. Additionally, Next.js provides numerous benefits that make it a go-to option. Below are some of the features that improve developer experience.

Error handling

Next.js provides comprehensive error-handling mechanisms that allow you to handle development, server-side, and client-side errors:

Development errors

During development, runtime errors trigger an overlay visible only in development mode. Fixing the error dismisses the overlay.

Server-side errors

Next.js provides a default static 500 pages for handling server-side errors, with customisation options.

Client-side errors

Implement React Error Boundaries to gracefully handle JavaScript errors on the client side, preventing page crashes and enabling custom fallbacks and error logging.

Instant developer feedback with fast refresh

Next.js has a feature called Fast Refresh that allows you to get immediate feedback on changes made to your React components (functional) and Hooks. Fast Refresh updates the code only for the file that exports a React component. This means that whenever you make an edit in that file, such as changing styles, rendering logic, event handlers, or effects, Fast Refresh will update the code only for that file and automatically re-render your component. With Fast Refresh, you can quickly iterate and see the changes you make in real-time.

Built-in SEO support

Search e­ngine optimisation (SEO) is crucial for enhancing the discove­rability and relevance of we­b applications in search queries. Imple­menting SEO practices can lead to better ranking on search engine­s like Google or Bing, ultimately increasing your product’s visibility. Next.js offers a valuable advantage by providing built-in SEO support. If you prioritise optimising your application’s SEO-friendliness, this feature saves considerable time and effort.

Analytics and monitoring

Next.js includes a pre-built analytics feature called Next.js Speed Insights, which allows you to evaluate and measure the performance of your web pages through various metrics. You can start collecting your Real Experience Score without any configuration on Vercel deployments. Furthermore, Next.js supports OpenTelemetry instrumentation, which is an open-source observability framework that offers a set of APIs, SDKs, and tools for instrumenting, generating, collecting, and exporting telemetry data (such as metrics, logs, and traces).

Integrations with third-party platforms

Next.js is a versatile framework that can be seamlessly integrated with other products to enhance its functionality. Next.js integrates seamlessly with popular CMS services like Contentful, Builder.io, and Sanity, analytics services like LaunchDarkly, Statsig, and Vercel Web Analytics, as well as commerce platforms like Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Shopify, and BigCommerce. It also aligns with monitoring tools like DebugBear, enabling developers to build, manage, and monitor Next.js applications efficiently.

Final thoughts

Many engineers love using Next.js because it offers amazing performance benefits, such as server-side rendering and optimized images. It provides an excellent developer experience through features like Fast Refresh and reliable error handling. Moreover, its effortless integration with different tools and services streamlines development and analytics, making Next.js an ideal option for creating high-performing web applications.

Hailing from South Africa, I like to think of myself as a bit of a barbecue virtuoso. Come rain or shine, most weekends I’ll be out in my backyard, tongs in hand, manning the grill like a meat-addicted maniac (guilty as charged). 

So when someone suggested I try the world’s first plant-based ribs, adorned with edible vegan bones, you can imagine I was more than a little sceptical.  

The ‘ribs’ in question were made by Slovenian food tech startup Juicy Marbles. The company says it wants to recreate the “shared sense of nostalgia” and “primal joys” of eating ribs — but without the negative environmental impact. 

And the vegan bones? Well, apparently, they’re just for a laugh.

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“To some, bones from plants may be an ideological provocation, but we shouldn’t take these things too seriously,” says co-founder Vladimir Mićković. “It’s just fun from every angle. Bones invite you to eat with your hands, to tear off succulent chunks of meat, and share that indulgence with the whole table.”

While the idea of replacing a succulent steak with a hunk of soy protein didn’t exactly tickle my tastebuds, it did niggle my conscience. You see, dear reader, perhaps greater than my hankering for flesh, is my love for our planet. And, unfortunately, the two don’t really align. 

Spurred on by climate guilt, I decided to give the imitation ribs a try. So, I fired up the grill and cooked them the same way I’d prepare pork ribs — over hot coals and smothered with sticky, sweet basting sauce. Yum!

Check out my recipe here: 

 

Currently, the bone-in ribs are only available in limited releases in the EU, UK, and US — at a premium of €66 per kilogram. Being a distinguished TNW reporter, I was lucky enough to be sent one of the first packs for free. (The vegan ribs will launch for regular purchase on the company’s webshop in early 2024).   

Founded in 2020, Juicy Marbles is perhaps best known for creating the world’s first marbled plant-based steak. Our resident senior reporter (and vegetarian) Thomas Macaulay already tested these last year and was, perhaps predictably, satisfied. But would the startup’s latest offering really indulge the taste buds of a savage carnivore?    

Upon delivery, my first impression was that the ribs looked pretty similar to the real thing — the addition of ‘bones’ and beetroot juice (for colour) definitely helps with the aesthetic.  

Encouraged, I began prepping them for the ‘braai’ (what we call BBQ in my homeland). Overall I was quite impressed with how these plant-based ribs held up on the grill. The outer layer crispened to perfection, and generally, the rack looked delicious — although it did begin to break apart towards the end. Total cook time was around 10 minutes. 

The taste test

 As advertised, the ‘meat’ is succulent and flakes off the ‘bone’ with ease. But it has more of the texture of pulled pork than pork ribs. Minor qualm there. 

The taste was decent — it reminded me somewhat of other soya-based products I’ve tried but with more meaty substance. This is probably thanks to Juicy Marbles’ patent-pending 3D assembly system which layers the proteins into linear fibres, which mimic the muscle structures of meat. The ribs also did a good job of absorbing the spices and marinade. 

As for a convincing replacement for a rack of pork ribs? I’m not so sure.   

The spoonfuls of sunflower oil added to the soya protein simply cannot replace the deliciousness of real pig fat. And the flavour profile feels unidimensional compared to the real thing. 

My biggest gripe however was how stuffed they make you feel — these plant-based ribs hit your stomach like a tonne of bricks. The high soya protein and oil content are probably to blame for that.

And what about the edible vegan bones you ask? Well the bones, which apparently have the same protein content as beef jerky, are purportedly meant to be fried or baked as a crispy snack. Maybe I did something wrong, but after 10 minutes in the air fryer, my bones still remained chewy — perhaps edible, but definitely not enjoyable. Nevertheless, they remain a cool addition, even if just for show. 

Sharing is caring

Juicy Marbles says it wants to recreate joys of eating meat with others, and that’s where I think these bone-in ribs really hit the mark. I’ve often felt like vegans or vegetarians are excluded from the shared pleasures of a BBQ simply because they don’t devour animal protein. But plant-based whole cuts could unite us all around the fire.

“Anyone cutting down on meat can probably confirm that the hardest part is not missing meat’s flavour, but feeling excluded from cultural traditions,” explains Mićković. “That’s why we chose ribs as our next product — we wanted to create something that evokes the primal joys of sharing food.” 

Plant-based whole cuts like Juicy Marbles’ tenderloin could become a common feature at the barbecues of the future. Credit: Juicy Marbles

Overall, I was left feeling impressed by the world’s first plant-based bone-in ribs. This was definitely the most realistic plant-based whole cut I’ve tried (as opposed to a burger). The texture and addition of bones make it pretty legit. For what it is, I think Juicy Marbles did a great job. 

The pursuit of plant-based meat perfection could also have benefits beyond bonding with your brethren behind the barby.  

Converting the carnivores 

One recent UK study found that almost 90% of consumers who ate plant-based meat and dairy were meat-eaters or flexitarians. Another found that plant-based products with a similar taste, texture, and price to processed meat had the best chance of replacing meat. 

While products like plant-based burgers, steaks or ribs aren’t always enough to turn carnivores into vegans, they have been shown to reduce overall meat consumption, which is good for the planet and our health.

Livestock farming contributes 15% of all greenhouse gas emissions, uses 78% of agricultural land worldwide, and sucks up an estimated 25% of all potable water. Moreover, plant-based meat products are generally healthier than their processed meat equivalents. 

So maybe Juicy Marbles’ pursuit of plant-based meat perfection is also meaningful way to shift our diets in a more sustainable direction.

Europe leading the shift

Despite the benefits, demand for plant-based meat actually declined in the US last year, while Silicon Valley plant-based burger poster children Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have been losing money and customers.

However, the picture looks more promising in Europe. The plant-based food sector here has grown by 49% over the past two years.       

Figures from the German Agriculture Ministry show that meat consumption dropped to 52 kgs per person in 2022, the lowest figure since records began in 1989. 

Meat consumption in the Netherlands is also declining. 

Many experts believe that the rise of plant-based alternatives has had a direct impact on the reduction in meat consumption in Europe. Another contributing factor could be that recent soaring inflation has closed the cost gap between conventional meat and plant-based alternatives, which are usually more expensive in supermarkets. 

Whatever the reason may be, plant-based alternatives are here to stay. As the costs begin to decline, the benefits become unequivocal and the options become more legit than ever before, I think it’s likely that plant-based whole cuts like Juicy Marbles’ bone-in ribs will become a common fixture at the barbecues of the future. Herbivores delight!