Building future-proof platforms with Next.js (13)

At Bravoure, we're all about embracing innovation and crafting platforms that stand the test of time. By embracing new technologies and taking a calculated risk now and then, we stay ahead of the game for our clients. Leading them to what we call 'digital longevity'. We tell you how we recently accomplished this for our client Paradiso, with a successful implementation of the latest version of Next.js (version 13).

What is Next.js?

To get what we're all about, let's kick off with an introduction to Next.js. Next.js is an open-source framework that blends the power of server-side rendering and static generation, enabling developers to build web applications and websites at scale. Think of it as an advanced toolbox filled with tools that allow you to create even more flexible and performant websites than what a standard CMS like WordPress enables. By leveraging pre-built JavaScript components, Next.js saves time in building complex websites, eliminating the need to start from scratch each time. Next.js's latest version came with a whole new infrastructure, opening doors to many new possibilities.

A leap of faith with Paradiso

Working with Next.js allows us to surpass expectations and keep brands at the forefront of the digital landscape. However, achieving this requires some courage to embrace new approaches and technologies. Fortunately Paradiso was willing to take this leap of faith with us, as they have always been forward-thinking.

Lothar, our Frontend Developer, explains: "We were at a kind of crossroads: Next.js had just announced a new version that would completely change everything. However, it was still in beta. We had to make a choice: either play it safe and build the new website for Paradiso on the stable version, or take the risk of using the new version, knowing that we might encounter some bugs but ultimately be fully prepared for the future.”

The benefits of Next.js

Together we chose to embrace the newest Next.js version and take advantage of all its new features. And we’re glad we did. Next.js offers numerous advantages for Paradiso, all contributing to a future-proof platform. The most significant ones? Here are three:

The nightmare of every organisation: managing a separate website and application simultaneously. It's overwhelming and time-consuming. Next.js eliminates this burden by seamlessly integrating both functionalities. It blurs the line between a website and an app, providing a user experience that feels like using an app. This future-proof approach bridges the gap between traditional websites and native applications, for example: offering instant page responses & smooth transitions between them.

Next.js's convergence of website and app functionalities makes it a powerful and forward-looking solution. It streamlines platform management while delivering an immersive user experience.

Another advantage of Next.js? That it allows us to build the whole website statically, a crucial factor for the success of Paradiso. Together with the help of AWS (Amazon Web Services), our Next.js applications can automatically scale up or down depending on the website usage. A big win for Paradiso, as they often get lots of visitors during specific times, such as ticket sales. For instance, if they're planning a big sale at noon but only a few people are on the site at 10 AM, keeping a huge server up and running would be a bit wasteful.

AWS dynamically allocates resources according to visitor volume, ensuring optimal website performance during peak times. This capability enhances the user experience and adds to the future-proof nature of Paradiso’s platform. Autoscaling eliminates the need for manual adjustments and guarantees efficient resource utilisation, making AWS an ideal choice for handling fluctuating traffic demands.

After successfully implementing Next.js’ latest version for Paradiso, we’ve laid a solid foundation that paves the way for potential future developments, such as the creation of a progressive web app. This includes exciting features such as the use of push notifications, personalised experiences, location based features, all integrated within the Paradiso website. Enabling that concert enthusiasts stay informed about upcoming events and news announcements, based on their personal preferences.