Technology

Next.js: When your website needs to do more than inform

Dashboards, SaaS frontends, interactive web apps — when static HTML is not enough, we build with Next.js. The React framework for Swiss businesses that want more.

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Simply explained

What is Next.js?

Next.js is a full-stack framework built on React — the most widely used JavaScript library in the world. Developed and maintained by Vercel, it is used by companies like Netflix, TikTok, Notion, and the Washington Post.

What makes Next.js special: It combines frontend and backend in one project. You can freely mix server-side rendering (SSR), static generation (SSG), and client-side rendering (CSR) — depending on what each page needs.

Think of Next.js as the Swiss Army knife of web development: API routes for backend logic, server components for fast rendering, edge runtime for global performance — all in one framework.

For you as a business owner, this means: one technology for everything — from an interactive customer portal to a data-driven web app. No cobbled-together systems, just a clean, maintainable project.

The right tool

When Next.js instead of Astro?

We choose the technology that fits your project — not the one that is currently trending. For 90% of business websites, we recommend Astro. But there are clear cases where Next.js is the better choice.

Choose Next.js when:

✓ Users need to log in
✓ Real-time data is displayed (dashboards, feeds)
✓ Complex forms and workflows are needed
✓ SaaS products or web apps are being built
✓ Database connections and API logic are required

Choose Astro when:

✓ Marketing website or corporate presence
✓ Blog, content pages, landing pages
✓ Maximum load performance (under 1 second)
✓ SEO and AI visibility are top priority
✓ Lowest budget and minimal maintenance

Our approach: We often combine both — Astro for the marketing website, Next.js for the application behind it. This way, you get the best of both worlds: maximum performance for your public pages and full interactivity for your app.

Why Next.js

6 benefits for your project

SSR Performance

Server-side rendering delivers finished HTML pages. Users see content immediately, search engines index without issues — even for dynamic, data-driven pages.

React Ecosystem

Access to thousands of React components and libraries. From UI kits to forms to animations — everything your app needs already exists.

API Routes

Backend logic right in the same project. Receive webhooks, process data, send emails — without setting up a separate server.

ISR (Incremental Static)

Pages are statically generated and updated in the background on demand. You combine the speed of static pages with the freshness of dynamic content.

Edge Runtime

Your app runs on edge servers worldwide — closer to the user, faster to load. Ideal for international applications and global teams.

TypeScript Native

TypeScript is built in from the start. Fewer bugs, better maintainability, safer code. Especially important for larger projects with multiple developers.

Our process

How we build your Next.js app

Structured, transparent, and with fast iterations — so you see what is being built early on.

Discovery & planning

We clarify your requirements: What features do your users need? What data flows? What integrations are necessary? From this, we create a technical plan with clear milestones.

UI/UX design

Before code is written, we design the user interface. Wireframes, prototypes, user flows — you see and test your app before development begins.

Sprint development

We develop in 2-week sprints. After each sprint, you see working features, can test, and give feedback. No unpleasant surprises at the end of the project.

Launch & iteration

Deployment on Vercel with automatic previews, CI/CD, and monitoring. After launch, we optimize based on real user data and iterate continuously.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Next.js

How much does a Next.js web app cost?

A professional Next.js web application from 0gravity starts at CHF 8,900. The price depends on complexity: number of features, user authentication, database connections, real-time functionality, and API integrations. Simpler projects like landing pages with interactive elements start lower.

When do I need Next.js instead of Astro?

When your website needs to do more than display content. Do you need user login, a dashboard, real-time data, complex forms, or a SaaS interface? Then Next.js is the right choice. For marketing websites, corporate sites, and blogs, we recommend Astro — faster and more affordable.

Is Next.js slower than Astro?

For pure content pages: slightly, yes. Astro ships zero JavaScript, while Next.js requires React in the browser. But for interactive applications, Next.js is the more performant choice because it offers server-side rendering, streaming, and edge runtime. The right tool for the right job.

What is Server-Side Rendering (SSR)?

SSR means your page is rendered on the server before being sent to the browser. The benefit: the user sees content immediately (great for SEO and load times), and the page can still be interactive. Next.js makes SSR easier than any other framework.

How is a Next.js app hosted?

Most commonly on Vercel (built by the Next.js team), but also on Cloudflare, AWS, or Netlify. Hosting costs start at CHF 0/month for small projects. For larger apps with many users, expect CHF 20–100/month depending on traffic and serverless functions.

How long does it take to develop a Next.js app?

An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) with authentication and basic features is achievable in 4–6 weeks. More complex applications with dashboards, API integrations, and real-time features require 8–12 weeks. We work in sprints so you see results early.

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