What is Next.js?

Next.js is a React-based web framework that helps you build fast, modern websites and web applications with less setup and cleaner code. It adds routing, rendering options and backend capabilities on top of React, so you can ship production-ready experiences faster.

How Next.js works in practice

At its core, Next.js handles how and where your pages are rendered. You can choose between server-side rendering, static site generation or client-side rendering per page, which gives you fine control over performance and SEO. The framework also includes file-based routing, so every file in your /app or /pages directory automatically becomes a route without extra configuration.

Next.js ships with image optimization, code splitting and built-in support for API routes. That means you can build full-stack features like forms, dashboards or simple integrations without spinning up a separate backend. For growing e-commerce or B2B businesses, this keeps your tech stack lean while still flexible.

Key features of Next.js for growth-focused teams

  • Flexible rendering Use static generation for landing pages, server-side rendering for dynamic content and mix both in one Next.js project.
  • Built-in routing and layouts File-based routing and nested layouts keep complex sites maintainable as your marketing and product pages scale.
  • API routes Create lightweight backend endpoints directly in your Next.js codebase for forms, webhooks or internal tools.
  • Performance and SEO Automatic code splitting, image optimization and prefetching help you hit Core Web Vitals and improve organic visibility.
  • Developer experience Hot reloading, TypeScript support and clear conventions make it easier for teams and agencies to collaborate.

Together, these features make Next.js a strong fit for companies that need to launch fast, iterate often and keep performance under control as traffic grows.

Why Next.js matters for e-commerce and B2B

For growth-minded founders and CMOs, Next.js is not just a developer choice, it is a business decision. Good rendering defaults and strong performance support your SEO efforts and keep conversion-critical pages loading quickly. When paired with a clear acquisition strategy, a well-built Next.js site can turn more of your paid and organic traffic into revenue.

If you are considering a custom platform, frameworks like Next.js sit naturally inside a modern tech stack. Our guide on the best tech stack for web apps in Europe explains how such frameworks connect to analytics, marketing tools and back-office systems.

Where Next.js fits in a broader product roadmap

Next.js is one option in a wider landscape of custom software choices. For teams comparing whether to build a full product or start with an MVP, our breakdown of custom app development cost shows how framework choices impact budget and timeline. It also sits well next to mobile approaches like React Native app development when you want one shared logic layer across web and app.

At 6th Man, we often combine Next.js with tailored backend and data layers as part of our custom web application development services. In complex builds, such as our realtime auction application for Mercedes, the same principles apply, even if the chosen framework differs. The goal is always the same build a fast, reliable experience that turns traffic into measurable business results.