Is Next.js still developer-friendly?

Next.js, a popular React framework, initially gained favor for its zero-config setup, file-based routing, easy optimizations, and clear documentation, which made it developer-friendly and efficient for building web applications. However, developers have grown frustrated due to frequent breaking changes, increased complexity, and documentation that necessitates constant reference, which have made it challenging to maintain applications over time. The framework has evolved beyond a simple React wrapper into a full-stack meta-framework, leading to a trade-off between maturity and simplicity. While Next.js is still considered developer-friendly, akin to a high-performance sports car that requires skill to handle, it may not be ideal for all projects, particularly simple SPAs or teams new to React. Alternatives like Remix, Vite, SvelteKit, and Astro offer different balances of simplicity and functionality, potentially providing better fits for specific needs. Despite its challenges, Next.js remains powerful for teams equipped to navigate its intricacies, particularly for content-heavy applications where SEO improvements are desired.