Next.js Static Site Generation (SSG)

Next.js is a React-based open-source web application development framework for building server-side rendering and static sites. One of the most popular features of Next.js is its Static Site Generation (SSG) capability, which enables you to generate static HTML files during the build process that can be served directly from a web server or a content delivery network. This approach offers several advantages over traditional server-side rendering or client-side rendering, including better performance, lower costs, and better SEO optimization.

Syntax

The syntax to generate static HTML files using Next.js SSG is as follows:

export async function getStaticProps(context) {
  // Fetch data from a backend or an external API
  const data = await fetchData();

  // Pass data as props to the component
  return {
    props: { data }
  }
}

Example

Here's an example of how to use Next.js SSG to generate a static HTML file for a blog post:

export async function getStaticPaths() {
  const posts = await fetchPosts();

  const paths = posts.map(post => ({
    params: { slug: post.slug },
  }));

  return { paths, fallback: false };
}

export async function getStaticProps(context) {
  const post = await fetchPost(context.params.slug);

  return {
    props: { post }
  }
}

export default function Post({ post }) {
  return (
    <div>
      <h1>{post.title}</h1>
      <article dangerouslySetInnerHTML={{ __html: post.content }} />
    </div>
  );
}

Output

The output generated by the above example will be a static HTML file that contains the title and content of the blog post.

Explanation

Next.js Static Site Generation (SSG) generates a static HTML file during the build process that can be served directly from a web server or a content delivery network. The getStaticProps function is used to fetch data from a backend or an external API and pass it as props to the component.

The getStaticPaths function is used to generate dynamic routes (if your pages have dynamic routes) that will be pre-generated at build time. Finally, the component Post renders the fetched data.

Use

Next.js Static Site Generation (SSG) is mainly used for generating static web pages that do not require data to be updated frequently. This approach to building web applications is ideal for blogs, portfolio websites, documentation sites or any other website that has a content structure that does not require real-time updates.

Important Points

• Next.js SSG generates static HTML files during the build process and allows them to be served from a web server or a content delivery network.
• The getStaticProps function fetches data from a backend or external API and passes it as props to the component.
• Next.js SSG generates dynamic routes with the getStaticPaths function.
• The key benefit of the SSG approach is improved website performance, lower costs, and better SEO optimization.

Summary

Next.js Static Site Generation (SSG) is an effective way to generate static web pages for websites that do not require real-time updates. This approach offers improved website performance, lower costs, better SEO optimization, and easier maintenance. Understanding the basic syntax and use cases of Next.js SSG can help you build better and more scalable websites.