Next.js and React: beyond the frontend

If there are two technologies that have shaped my path as a frontend developer, they are React and Next.js. With React, I discovered a different way to build interfaces: reusable components, controlled state, and a clear data flow. I went from writing static pages to thinking in dynamic, scalable, and maintainable applications.

However, I soon realized that React alone didn’t solve every challenge. That’s where Next.js came in. This framework opened the door to features that make a real difference in production projects: server-side rendering (SSR), static site generation (SSG), automatic image optimization, simple routing, and support for API routes.

Working with Next.js has allowed me to build fast, accessible, and SEO-friendly applications—crucial in professional projects. Plus, its integration with modern tools like Tailwind CSS, TypeScript, and Supabase keeps the workflow smooth.

What I value most about this combination is how it lets me bridge the frontend with parts of the backend without friction. I can design polished interfaces with React while handling data, authentication, or even deploying to platforms like Vercel in minutes.

In short, React taught me to think in components, and Next.js gave me the ecosystem to turn those ideas into complete, high-performance projects. Today, they’re essential tools in my developer toolkit, and I keep discovering new possibilities with each project.