Next.js is a small, open-source framework meant for server-rendered universal JavaScript web apps. It’s built on top of React, Webpack, and Babel. It requires zero set up, is pure JavaScript (it uses Glamor to handle CSS rather than dealing with standalone CSS files), and has an easy and simple deployment process. According to the developers at ZEIT, the purpose of the framework is to bridge the gap between the front end and back end while pursuing the ultimate goal of universal JavaScript apps:
Node.js led the way, by enabling code-sharing between client and server, broadening the contribution surface for many developers around the world. Many attempts were made to make it practical to develop apps and websites on Node. Many template languages and frameworks came along, but the technical divide between front end and back end remained
The framework is ideal for quickly creating a new web app with a little tool set setup necessary, which can save developers tons of time. While it isn’t the only open-source framework of its kind in existence, it is very ambitious and it’s the newest stable version of any similar-type server-rendered universal framework that has been released. If you’re looking to save time on creating your JavaScript webapps, give Next.js a spin, and keep an eye on it, it’s sure to do great things and improve with each update.