ADR‐002 for Selecting SSR Framework: Next.js vs. Astro

ADR for Selecting SSR Framework: Next.js vs. Astro

• Status: Approved
• Deciders: @kravalg, @TuranC, @vlas-pravsha
• Date: 2024-01-05

Technical Story: This decision is relevant to the selection of an appropriate Server-Side Rendering (SSR) framework for our website.

Context and Problem Statement

We need to choose a Server-Side Rendering (SSR) framework for our web application. The main contenders are Next.js and Astro. Which one should we select to optimize our web application's performance, scalability, and developer experience?

Decision Drivers

• Performance: The framework should enable fast page loads and efficient data handling.
• Scalability: It must support the growth of our application in terms of traffic and complexity.
• Developer Experience: Ease of use, community support, and learning curve.
• Ecosystem and Integrations: Availability of plugins, integrations, and community support.
• Future-Proofing: The framework's potential for long-term viability and updates.

Considered Options

• Next.js
• Astro

Decision Outcome

Chosen option: "Astro", because Astro is faster, and it focuses on performance and modern web standards

Positive Consequences

• Improved [quality attribute based on the chosen option, like performance or developer experience].
• Better alignment with our project's needs and goals.

Negative Consequences

• Possible trade-offs in areas like learning curve or ecosystem limitations based on the chosen framework.

Pros and Cons of the Options

Next.js

Next.js is a React-based framework known for its robust features and extensive community support.

• Good, because it offers automatic page optimization and server-side rendering.
• Good, because of its large community, comprehensive documentation, and wide range of integrations.
• Bad, because it may have a steeper learning curve for developers not familiar with React.

Astro

Astro is a newer framework that focuses on delivering high performance with less client-side JavaScript.

• Good, because it allows for efficient loading with partial hydration.
• Good, because of its focus on performance and modern web standards.
• Bad, because it has a smaller community and fewer resources compared to Next.js.

Links

• [Link type] [Link to more information about Next.js]
• [Link type] [Link to more information about Astro]