Using Static Site Generation (SSG) and Server-Side Rendering (SSR) Efficiently in Next.js

In the world of web development, delivering the perfect balance of performance and user experience is crucial. Next.js, our trusted React framework, offers two powerful rendering patterns: Static Site Generation (SSG) and Server-Side Rendering (SSR). Let’s dive into how to use these effectively to create lightning-fast websites.

Understanding the Fundamentals

Think of SSG as preparing a meal ahead of time. Your pages are generated at build time, ready to be served instantly to any visitor. On the other hand, SSR is like cooking to order – the server prepares the page fresh for each request. Both have their place in the kitchen of web development.

When to Choose SSG

SSG shines brightest when your content doesn’t need frequent updates. Consider using it for:

• Marketing pages
• Blog posts
• Documentation
• Product listings that update infrequently

export async function getStaticProps({ params }) {
  const post = await getBlogPost(params.slug)
  return {
    props: { post },
    revalidate: 3600 // Revalidate every hour
  }
}

When to Embrace SSR

SSR becomes your best friend when dealing with:

• Personalized dashboards
• Real-time data displays
• User-specific content
• Frequently updated information

export async function getServerSideProps({ req, res }) {
  const user = await getUser(req)
  const dashboard = await getDashboardData(user.id)
  return {
    props: { dashboard }
  }
}

Best Practices and Optimization Tips

1. Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR): Use this hybrid approach to update static pages without rebuilding your entire site. It’s like having a chef refresh only the dishes that need updating.

2. Selective Hydration: Don’t load all your JavaScript at once. Prioritize critical interactivity while keeping initial load times swift.

3. Cache Control: Implement proper caching strategies to reduce server load and improve response times.

4. Dynamic Imports: Split your code intelligently to load only what’s needed, when it’s needed.

Remember, the key isn’t choosing between SSG and SSR – it’s knowing when to use each. Like a skilled chef selecting the right cooking method for each ingredient, choose your rendering strategy based on your content’s nature and your users’ needs.