Performance
Complete guide to optimize Next.js 16 applications using Server Components, React Compiler, Cache, and more.
Next.js 16 introduces significant performance improvements with React Compiler, better Server Components support, and new caching strategies. This guide covers best practices to maximize your application's performance.
In Next.js 16, all components are Server Components by default. They run on the server, reduce client bundle size, and improve initial performance. Only use "use client" when you need interactivity.
Use Client Components only for interactivity (events, state, effects). Each Client Component increases bundle size. Keep business logic in Server Components whenever possible.
Use dynamic imports to load heavy components only when needed. This reduces the initial bundle and improves Time to Interactive.
The React Compiler automatically optimizes your components, memoizing values and callbacks without needing useMemo or useCallback. Available in Next.js 16+.
Next.js 16 offers multiple cache levels: React cache for deduplication, Next.js cache for data, and on-demand revalidation with tags.
Next.js automatically caches fetch responses. Configure time-based revalidation (ISR) or tag-based revalidation to keep data fresh.
Next.js 16 recommends using separate loading.jsx files alongside page.jsx. This automatically wraps your page in a Suspense boundary, improving Time to First Byte (TTFB) and allowing users to see content while other parts load.
Next.js Image component automatically optimizes images, serving modern formats (WebP/AVIF), lazy loading, and responsive images. Significantly reduces image sizes.
Reduce bundle sizes by importing only what's needed, using tree shaking, and analyzing bundle sizes with tools like bundle-analyzer.
Partial Prerendering combines the best of SSG and SSR: prerenders static parts and streams dynamic parts. Improves initial performance while maintaining dynamic content.
Best Practices
• Reduces client bundle size
• Improves initial performance
• Direct access to APIs and databases
• Better SEO and load time
• React cache for deduplication
• Next.js cache with revalidation
• Tags for on-demand revalidation
• Configure appropriate revalidation times
• Automatic Suspense wrapping
• Shows immediately while page loads
• Better UX than manual fallbacks
• Works with streaming and PPR
• Import only what's needed
• Use dynamic imports for heavy code
• Analyze bundles regularly
• Leverage tree shaking