Lazy vs Dynamic Loading Components in Next.js

A well-liked React framework for creating server-side rendering (SSR) applications is Next.js. The ability to enhance the performance of your application using a variety of optimization approaches is one of the key advantages of using Next.js. Lazy loading and dynamic loading of components are two such optimization techniques.

What Does “Lazy Loading” Mean?

The components of your application are loaded only when they are required using the lazy loading technique. This means that the components are loaded only when they are needed and not when the page first loads. This can shorten the time it takes for your application to load up initially and enhance user experience.

The React.lazy() function in Next.js may be used to implement lazy loading, allowing us to load components asynchronously. Here is an illustration of how to use Next.js’s React.lazy() function:

import React, { lazy, Suspense } from 'react';

    const LazyComponent = lazy(() => import('../components/LazyComponent'));
    
    function App() {
   return (
     <div>
    <Suspense fallback={<div>Loading...</div>}>
      <LazyComponent />
    </Suspense>
     </div>
   );
    }
    
    export default App;

The React.lazy() function was used to build a LazyComponent in the code above, which would be loaded asynchronously when needed. The Suspense component has also been used to display a fallback user interface (UI) while the component is loading.

What Does “Dynamic Loading” Mean?

With dynamic loading, your application’s components are loaded in response to events or user input. This means that the components are loaded when the user interacts with the website rather than when the page first loads. This can help to speed up your application’s total load time and enhance user experience.

import dynamic from 'next/dynamic';

    const DynamicComponent = dynamic(() => import('../components/DynamicComponent'));
    
    function App() {
   return (
     <div>
    <button onClick={() => DynamicComponent}>Load Component</button>
     </div>
   );
    }
    
    export default App;

The dynamic() function was used in the code above to construct a DynamicComponent, which will be loaded asynchronously when the user hits the “Load Component” button.

Which Should I Use: Lazy Vs. Dynamic Loading?

Your application’s performance can be enhanced by both dynamic and lazy loading. The one to use, however, will depend on the particular needs of your application.

When you have components that are not needed when the page first loads but might be later, lazy loading can be helpful. This can shorten the time it takes for your application to load up initially and enhance user experience.

When components are needed based on user interactions or events, dynamic loading is helpful. This can help to speed up your application’s total load time and enhance user experience.

In general, it is advised to use dynamic loading for components that are needed based on user interactions or events rather than lazy loading for those that are not necessary at first page load.

Conclusion

There are effective methods for enhancing the performance of your Next.js application, including lazy loading and dynamic loading. You may decrease the time it takes for your application to load and enhance user experience by putting these techniques into practice. Depending on the precise needs of your project, you can choose which one to utilize.