Comparing Create React App vs. Next.js performance differences

This article explores the performance differences between Next.js and Create React App (CRA) in single-page applications by examining server-side rendering (SSR) and client-side rendering (CSR). Next.js, developed by Vercel, supports SSR to enhance React applications, while CRA, backed by Meta, facilitates CSR. The study involves building two identical applications that fetch data from an API, with one utilizing Next.js for SSR and the other using CRA for CSR. Performance testing using Chrome's Lighthouse tool indicates that Next.js significantly outperforms CRA, particularly in metrics like First Meaningful Paint, due to its built-in capabilities for image optimization and code splitting. The analysis also highlights geographical and mobile considerations, demonstrating how SSR can deliver content faster than CSR, even over long distances. Despite its advantages, Next.js presents some challenges, such as higher server-side complexity and the need for a Node.js server. The article concludes with a discussion on migrating from CRA to Next.js for those seeking improved performance through SSR.