
Launched on October 26th, 2021
Next.js 12 is the biggest release ever:
1. Faster Rust Compiler
2. Middleware (beta)
3. React 18 Support
4. AVIF Support
5. Bot-aware ISR Fallback
6. Native ES Modules Support
7. URL Imports (alpha)
8. React Server Components (alpha)
(Perhaps contrary to what you read on X nowadays...) Next.js has reduced the complexity of web development a ton for me, especially since the app router. So many times, when building a single feature, I actually only have to edit code in a single file. Can't overstate the headspace that this saves me. Their stability does need a bit of work. However, the team is working hard on this and is very transparent in sharing their progress.
I find Next.js to be an exceptional framework that combines the best of server-side rendering, static site generation, and modern development practices to build high-performance web applications effortlessly.
Next.js stand out to be the best framework I've ever used, It's simple and lovable by all. The app router experience has never disappointed me since I moved to it.
Helps get up & running quickly and takes care of most UI best practices, we have been using it since 5 years now - However, it seems to be going downhill with the new versions which are filled with changes as if they are being made in a developer bubble.