Next.js and Eleventy are two popular tools used for building modern web applications. Both have their own unique features and advantages, making it difficult to choose between them. In this article, I will compare the two tools in very general detail and help you determine which one is the best fit for your project. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, this comparison will provide personal insights into the pros and cons of Next.js and Eleventy. By the end of this article, you may have a better understanding of which tool is best suited for your needs.
| Feature | Next.js | Eleventy |
| Purpose | React-based framework for building server-rendered or statically generated web applications | Static site generator for building static sites using modern web technologies |
| Language | JavaScript | JavaScript, but can also be used with other languages |
| Server-side Rendering | Server-side rendering out of the box | Server-side rendering is possible with additional setup |
| Static Site Generation | Static site generation through the next export command | Native static site generation |
| Routing | Dynamic routing with file-based routing and automatic code splitting | Dynamic routing through template-based routing, and manual code splitting |
| Development Experience | Fast development with hot reloading and fast build times | Slower development due to the need to build the site to see changes, but fast build times |
| Performance | Good performance, optimized for both server-side rendering and static site generation | Good performance, optimized for static site generation |
| Community and Ecosystem | Large community and extensive ecosystem | Growing community and ecosystem |
Please note that the above comparison is based on general tendencies and may not hold for every individual use case. Both Next.js and Eleventy have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on the specific requirements of a project.
And the main goal here is to start a conversation about. Curious to know all practical aspects of choosing any these frameworks.