Next.js is a renowned React framework developed by Vercel. It enables web developers to create user-friendly static websites and web applications. Next.js was first released in 2016. However, it has come a long way since then. The framework has added numerous features and brought tons of improvements.
Next.js 15 is the latest release of the framework. Let us find out how it is different from previous versions.
What is New in Next.js 15?
According to Vercel, Next.js 15 brings a wealth of improvements helping developers boost their workflow. Let us find out what is new in this version.
Support for React19
One of the primary features you get in Next.js 15 is the support for React 19. The framework offers support for the following integrations:
React Compiler
This experimental compiler focuses on optimizing the performance and efficiency of React applications.
Hydration Error Improvements
This integration improves the hydration process making it more powerful and error-resistant. Web developers experience a smooth transition from server-rendered HTML to fully interactive React components.
Server Actions
Server Actions are a crucial feature enabling developers to run server-side codes within React components. It improves the workflow by minimizing the need for API routes.
Since developers can embed server actions in the same file as components, they can maintain a clean and modern codebase.
Besides, Server Actions improve security as sensitive operations are managed server-side. It naturally minimizes the risk of exposing sensitive data to the client.
TypeScript Support
TypeScript has turned into an essential tool for modern web development. Next.js 15 has brought significant improvement in its TypeScript support. You get improved TypeScript integration. It helps developers build and maintain type-safe applications.
Next.js 15 provides seamless integration with the latest TypeScript features. Developers get better Type inference and accurate error reporting.
Furthermore, Next.js 15 offers comprehensive support for TypeScript configuration files. Consequently, users get better control over the TypeScript compiler options and project structure.
Support for Environment Variables & Configurations
With Next.js 15, you notice a noteworthy improvement in support for environment variables and configuration management. Managing application settings across various environments gets much easier now.
Developers can now define environment-specific settings, thanks to the new configuration API. Apart from this, managing and deploying applications across different stages of development and production is straightforward.
Caching Overhaul
You can notice the following changes in caching behavior in Next.js 15 RC.
Web developers get better control and flexibility over how data fetching is handled. Fetch requests do not get cached by default now.
Like fetch requests, GET route handlers won’t cache responses by default. Therefore, users are served with the latest data.
In Next.js 15 RC, navigations on the client side bypass the cache. It offers predictable and dynamic user experience.
Middleware Improvements
Next.js 15 comes with advanced middleware capabilities. It provides support for asynchronous operations and middleware chaining.
- Developers can perform authentication, data manipulation, and logging before rendering the page.
- Creating multiple middleware functions and executing them sequentially is much easier now. It supports better organization and reuse of codes.
- Asynchronous middleware operations support quick request handling. They do not let complex jobs block the main thread.
Routing & Nested Layouts
Nested layouts in Next.js 15 enable developers to make complex and reusable UI structures. These layouts help them define parent and child layouts. It means users can maintain a well-organized component hierarchy.
This feature is particularly beneficial for apps having multiple dashboards with common UI elements.
Next.js 15 also features a flexible and improved routing system. The updated routing API supports dynamic route segments and custom route matching. Apart from this, the framework has improved the handling of its nested routes.
Web Vitals Attribution
Next.js 15 lets developers track web vitals. Therefore, they get granular insights into their application’s performance and learn about possible bottlenecks.
Data Fetching with SWR Delta
Another major update you can see in Next.js 15 is data fetching with the Stale-While-Revalidate (SWR) delta. It builds on a powerful SWR library by introducing delta synchronization.
It enables applications to fetch the changes (delta) from the last request. SWR Delta does not re-fetch the entire dataset. It optimizes the amount of data transferred over the network. Consequently, users experience fast load time and a reduction in bandwidth usage.
This feature is quite helpful for developers developing applications with frequent data changes, such as real-time dashboards.
Final words
The release of Next.js 15 has brought several enhancements to the framework. From Server Actions to improved routing to in-depth TypeScript support, the framework is empowering developers. They can develop apps faster without compromising on scalability.
All in all, Next.js 15 is an ideal choice for modern web development. It has set new standards for web development frameworks. Try it if you have not already.
