Django + Next.js and React

[JAdelhelm]

Hey Nick,

First, I want to thank you for this amazing Docker project!

I am currently using your setup to develop a Django + React app, where JavaScript is injected into Django templates. During development, I'm wondering if there might be a better approach, such as server-side rendering with Next.js and full SEO optimization.
Could you provide some guidance on how the setup would look if I were to integrate this?

I'm also looking forward to your course on deploying in production! Thank you for your valuable contributions to the open-source community! 🎉

[nickjj]

Hi,

I never used Next.js but I would follow any general guides that they have. The only difference related to this project is running their commands in a container which would be more specific to Docker than this project too. Is it ultimately a package you add to the package.json file and run a specific command?

[JAdelhelm]

Hey again — I’ve been thinking about improving my time to first byte, but I probably oversee something.

On one hand, we’re relying on our Django backend — rich with built-in features like allauth — and on the other hand, we might be missing the benefits of a fully integrated JavaScript framework (Next.js). Such as Hybrid Rendering (SSR and SSG) + Built-In Optimizations.
It seems the only path to achieve this is a complete decoupling: treat Django as a pure API (sacrificing its higher-level conveniences) and let Next.js handle all of the SSR.

However, it’s probably not worth giving up Django’s out-of-the-box functionality for what would likely yield only minimal performance gains.

[nickjj]

Yeah, SSR is always appealing IMO. That's why I stick to server rendered templates and typically sprinkle in tools like Hotwire or htmx for a good feeling UI which works for the types of apps I build. If I went all-in with React I'd also choose some form of SSR.

Fortunately not a whole lot would change that's specific to this project. If you have any specific questions when you get to implementing it let me know.