## ❓ Should I Learn Next.js if I Already Know Node.js and Express?

[NishuRajput12]

Hi everyone! 👋

I'm currently working on backend development using Node.js and Express, and I also have some knowledge of frontend basics.

I keep hearing a lot about Next.js, but I'm not sure:

• Is it necessary to learn Next.js if I'm already good with REST APIs and backend logic?
• Does Next.js help in becoming a better full-stack developer?
• Should I focus on React first and then move to Next.js?

I'd really appreciate some guidance and personal opinions from the community. Thanks! 😊

[KhaledSaeed18]

Hey @NishuRajput12 👋

You don't need Next.js if you're focused only on backend, but if you want to grow as a full-stack developer, it's definitely worth learning.

Learn React first (Next.js is built on top of it), then move to Next.js for features like routing, SSR/SSG, and easier full-stack projects.

Since you already know Node.js/Express, Next.js will feel familiar for the backend parts. Good luck!

Resources to get started:

• React: freeCodeCamp's React Handbook for Beginners
• Practice: Build React projects
• Next.js: Official Next.js Tutorial

[icyJoseph]

Is it necessary to learn Next.js if I'm already good with REST APIs and backend logic?

necessary is a strong statement, it depends really, a fullstack dev who can leverage Next.js. and through the React framework, the available ecosystem is valuable for business development.

In general, there's a number of frontend frameworks/libraries, such as Svelte, React, Vue, and there are various full-stack, backend for frontend style, frameworks such as Remix, SvelteKit, Next.js or Nuxt, which give you a set of features commonly used to scale web apps.

Does Next.js help in becoming a better full-stack developer?

For sure, you can learn about caching, static generation and incremental regeneration, master the backend for frontend pattern, etc...

Should I focus on React first and then move to Next.js?

Not necessarily, but it is often good to have a roadmap or guidance. To draw a parallel, in mid 2010's, often people who jumped into
learning React, would instead spend a lot of time with CSS.

Having a clear roadmap or guide to help you focus learning a given subject or technique is important.

You can learn Next.js as you learn React. Without guidance, you might run into issues, and become frustrated at Next.js or React, whereas the problem might be HTML fundamentals, just to give an example.

[NishuRajput12]

Thank you so much @KhaledSaeed18 and @icyJoseph for your detailed responses! 🙏

Your advice really helped me understand where Next.js fits in the full-stack journey.

I'll start by brushing up on React fundamentals, and then move towards learning Next.js step-by-step. Your resources and insights gave me a clear path forward.

If I get stuck somewhere while learning, I might reach out again! 😄

Thanks again for your support! 💯