How to Efficiently Use getStaticProps and getServerSideProps in Next.js

If you’re diving into Next.js, you’ve probably encountered two powerful data fetching methods: getStaticProps and getServerSideProps. Let’s break down how to use these effectively and explore some pro tips that’ll make your life easier.

Understanding the Basics

Think of getStaticProps as your prep chef – it does all the work before the restaurant opens. On the other hand, getServerSideProps is like a cook who prepares each dish as orders come in. Each has its perfect use case, and knowing when to use which can make or break your app’s performance.

When to Use getStaticProps

Static props shine when your data doesn’t change often. Here are some perfect scenarios:

Let’s say you’re building a blog. Your posts don’t update every second, right? Here’s how you’d implement it:

export async function getStaticProps() {
  const posts = await fetch('https://api.yoursite.com/posts')
  const data = await posts.json()

  return {
    props: {
      posts: data
    },
    revalidate: 3600 // Revalidate every hour
  }
}

Pro tip: Use revalidate wisely. Setting it too low defeats the purpose of static generation, while setting it too high might leave your content stale.

Mastering getServerSideProps

Server-side props are your go-to when you need fresh data on every request. Think of a dashboard showing real-time stats:

export async function getServerSideProps(context) {
  const { user } = context.params
  const userData = await fetch(`https://api.yoursite.com/users/${user}`)
  const data = await userData.json()

  return {
    props: {
      userData: data
    }
  }
}

Performance Tips and Tricks

1. Cache Smartly: When using getServerSideProps, implement caching at the data fetching level:

const cached = await redis.get(`user:${userId}`)
if (cached) return JSON.parse(cached)

2. Combine Powers: Use static props with client-side fetching for the best of both worlds. Generate the shell statically and fetch dynamic data client-side.

3. Error Boundaries: Always implement error boundaries around your data-dependent components. Your users will thank you when API calls fail.

Remember: The key isn’t just knowing how to use these methods – it’s knowing when to use them. Profile your app’s performance and let the data patterns guide your choice.