Why Next.js Outperforms No-Code and Low-Code Solutions in Creating Modern Websites

Dawid Bubernak
18-10-2024

Why No-Code and Low-Code Technology Can't Match the Performance of Next.js?

1. Page Weight and Resource Optimization

In the age of rapid technological development and the increasing number of solutions available for building websites, no-code and low-code have gained significant popularity. They offer simplicity, intuitiveness, and the ability to quickly build a website without programming knowledge. However, behind this apparent convenience lies a series of limitations that make websites built with these technologies less efficient, slower, and significantly less optimized compared to websites created using advanced frameworks such as Next.js. In this article, we will take a close look at why no-code and low-code are insufficient when it comes to creating modern, efficient websites.

One of the key problems of no-code and low-code technology is how websites are generated. Platforms like Wix, Webflow, or Bubble create websites that contain a lot of redundant code, unused scripts, and unnecessary files. The end result is websites that weigh much more than they should. Every time the page loads, the browser must download a lot of unnecessary resources, significantly extending the loading time.

In contrast, Next.js, built on React, works in an optimized manner. This framework allows the use of techniques such as dynamic imports, which load only the resources necessary at a given moment. As a result, the pages are lightweight, and the user experiences lightning-fast loading. Research shows that as many as 53% of users leave a page if loading takes longer than 3 seconds. This clearly shows how crucial it is to ensure fast loading times, and in this aspect, Next.js wins across the board.

Image 1

2. Performance and SEO

Google increasingly emphasizes page loading speed as a factor influencing search rankings. Websites built on no-code and low-code tend to load longer, which negatively affects SEO. A page that is too heavy will cause Google bots to have difficulty indexing it, resulting in lower search rankings.

Next.js offers features such as **Server-Side Rendering (SSR)** and **Static Site Generation (SSG)**, which ensure that the page is generated server-side or created as static, significantly speeding up loading times and positively affecting SEO. These technologies are crucial when building websites that aim to succeed in a market where a high position in Google can determine the success of an entire business.

3. Complexity vs Flexibility

While no-code and low-code may seem attractive in terms of simplicity, their greatest advantage is also their greatest weakness. Creating complex websites or applications using these platforms becomes increasingly limited when the project requires custom features, high flexibility, and advanced integrations. Each addition adds extra weight to the site, exacerbating performance issues.

Next.js, on the other hand, is a solution that provides full control over the code. We can freely optimize the code, choose the best performance practices, and introduce advanced integrations with external services without worrying about excessive site weight. For example, using Next.js, we can optimize images by implementing features like **Image Optimization**, which automatically improves loading speed.

4. Scalability and Long-Term Performance

Building websites with the future in mind is something that no-code and low-code do not offer sufficiently. While these platforms are great for simple sites, as the project grows, their limitations begin to pose a problem. Long-term maintenance, modifications, or adding new features can lead to serious performance issues. In such cases, the only solution is often a complete site rebuild.

Next.js is the ideal tool for projects that are expected to grow and expand. Thanks to its modular architecture, we can develop the site without compromising performance, making this technology an excellent choice for companies planning large-scale growth.

5. Research Confirms the Advantage of Next.js Technology

According to industry reports and analyses, websites built using modern frameworks like Next.js loaded up to 50% faster than those created using no-code and low-code technologies. Examples of companies that moved their websites to Next.js and saw immediate benefits include Netflix, TikTok, and Twitch. The introduction of SSR, SSG, and the flexibility provided by React made their websites more responsive, faster, and more efficient.

Summary

No-code and low-code technologies can be a good choice for small, simple projects or for individuals with no programming experience, but when performance, loading speed, scalability, and SEO are the priority, Next.js wins in every aspect. In an era where users expect lightning-fast websites and great experiences, there is no room for compromise. That's why investing in Next.js-based solutions is the best choice for companies that want to succeed online.