RobLib's Blog

Choosing the Right Technology Stack: From HTML to Next.js

6 min read

In today's world of web technologies, we face a paradox of choice. We have countless frameworks, libraries, and tools at our disposal, but this can be our biggest problem. I often see projects where developers used Next.js for a simple landing page or plain React for a complex application with authentication. The key to success is spending enough time choosing the right technology at the beginning.

Profile Page: HTML + CSS + JavaScript

Let's start with the simplest case. Do you need to create a personal portfolio or company presentation? You don't need any framework. Plain HTML, CSS, and a bit of JavaScript for interactivity is enough.

Advantages of this approach:

If your website has fewer than 10 pages and primarily presents information, a framework will only bring unnecessary complexity. I often see developers who set up an entire React project with Webpack configuration for a simple landing page. That's like using an excavator to dig a hole for a tree.

Blog: Static Generator Instead of Server

For a blog like this one, you have two reasonable options: server-side rendering or static generator. Static generator is almost always the better choice.

Why static generator wins:

This blog is built on a custom static generator in Node.js. I write articles in HTML, the generator compiles them into final pages, and I upload them to GitHub Pages. The entire build process takes seconds, the website loads lightning-fast, and never crashes. 

// Example of a simple generator
const fs = require('fs');
const path = require('path');

function generateBlog() {
  const articles = loadArticles();
  const template = loadTemplate();

  articles.forEach(article => {
    const html = template.replace('{{content}}', article.content);
    fs.writeFileSync(`dist/${article.slug}.html`, html);
  });
}

Admin/CMS: API + React Frontend

When you need an admin interface or content management system, we're getting into an area where a framework makes sense. Separated backend (API) + React frontend is a proven choice.

Why this approach works:

For the backend, you can use Node.js with Express, Python with Django/FastAPI, or any other stack. The frontend as a Single Page Application in React handles the user interface. This solution is ideal for internal tools, dashboards, and content management.

Hybrid Applications: Next.js as the Golden Middle Path

Choose Next.js when you need to combine the advantages of server-side rendering with an interactive frontend and want to have everything in one project.

When Next.js is the right choice:

Next.js allows you to server-side render pages for SEO while having fully interactive parts of the application. You can also securely hide API keys in server-side code. It's a compromise between simplicity and functionality.

"Next.js is like a Swiss Army knife - it can do a lot, but it's not the best at any specific area. Sometimes that's exactly what you need."

Large Applications: Separated Backend + React SPA

For large applications with complex logic, hybrid solutions become problematic. For enterprise applications, choose clearly separated backend and React SPA built into static files.

Why separation wins for large projects:

React SPA built into static files can be hosted on CDN, which is fast and cheap. If the application is behind authentication, you don't need to worry about SEO, so server-side rendering is unnecessary. The backend handles API, authentication, and business logic.

Decision Tree: What to Choose?

Here's a practical guide on how to decide:

  1. Do you have less than 10 pages without complex logic?
    → HTML + CSS + JavaScript
  2. Do you need a blog or documentation?
    → Static generator (Gatsby, Next.js static export, custom)
  3. Are you building an admin interface or CMS?
    → API backend + React SPA
  4. Do you need SEO + interactivity + protect API keys?
    → Next.js (hybrid solution)
  5. Are you building a large application with complex logic?
    → Separated backend + React SPA

Common Mistakes When Choosing Technology

From experience, I see several recurring mistakes:

1. Overkill for Simple Projects

Using React for a static presentation is like hiring a symphony orchestra to play "Happy Birthday". It works, but it's unnecessarily complex.

2. Underestimating Complexity

Conversely, trying to build a complex e-commerce site with only vanilla JavaScript is a recipe for endless maintainability problems.

3. Chasing Trends

Just because something is new and trendy doesn't mean it's suitable for your project. Choose technologies based on requirements, not Hacker News.

4. Lack of Planning Time

The most common mistake is rushing the technology choice. Spend enough time on this at the beginning - changing it later will be exponentially more expensive.

Conclusion: Less Often Means More

Today, we often think that more complex technology automatically means a better solution. The opposite is true. The best technology is the simplest one that meets your requirements.

Before every project, ask yourself these questions:

The answers to these questions will give you clear guidance for choosing technology. Remember: a successful project isn't one that uses the latest technologies, but one that solves real user problems effectively and sustainably.

Technologies are just tools. Their value is measured by how well they help you achieve your goals, not by how modern or popular they are.