React vs Next.js: What's the Difference?
React and Next.js are both popular tools for building websites, but they serve different purposes. React is a library that helps you create interactive user interfaces, while Next.js is a framework built on top of React that provides additional features for building complete web applications.
React (The Building Blocks)
- Just a library for creating user interfaces
- You need to set up routing, styling, and other features yourself
- Great for building components that can be used anywhere
- Requires more configuration to build a complete app
Next.js (The Complete Package)
- Built on top of React but includes many built-in features
- Automatic routing, optimized images, and server-side rendering
- Better for building complete websites and applications
- Less configuration needed to get started
Simple Analogy: Think of React like buying individual LEGO pieces - you get the basic building blocks but need to figure out how to connect them and what else you need. Next.js is like buying a complete LEGO set - you get the pieces plus instructions, a box to organize them, and everything you need to build something awesome!
When to use React: When you want maximum flexibility or are building components for existing projects.
When to use Next.js: When you're building a new website or application and want features like fast loading, SEO optimization, and easy deployment.
