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Static Site Generators for Jamstack and React

In this tutorial, we will explore popular static site generators for building Jamstack applications with React, including Gatsby, Next.js, and React Static.

Gatsby​

Gatsby is a powerful and flexible static site generator that uses React and GraphQL to build blazing-fast websites and applications. Some of Gatsby's features include:

  • Rich plugin ecosystem
  • Optimized for performance
  • Built-in support for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

To create a new Gatsby project, first install the Gatsby CLI:

npm install -g gatsby-cli

Then, create a new project using the Gatsby CLI:

gatsby new my-gatsby-project
cd my-gatsby-project
gatsby develop

Next.js​

Next.js is a versatile framework for building server-rendered React applications, which can also be used as a static site generator. Features of Next.js include:

  • Automatic code splitting
  • Static and dynamic imports
  • Serverless functions support

To create a new Next.js project, run the following commands:

npx create-next-app my-nextjs-project
cd my-nextjs-project
npm run dev

React Static​

React Static is a lightweight and simple static site generator for React that focuses on providing the minimal amount of features needed for a fast and efficient development experience. Some React Static features include:

  • Automatic code splitting
  • Plugin support
  • Easy data fetching

To create a new React Static project, first install the React Static CLI:

npm install -g react-static

Then, create a new project using the React Static CLI:

react-static create my-react-static-project
cd my-react-static-project
npm run start

Conclusion​

Gatsby, Next.js, and React Static are all excellent choices for building Jamstack applications with React. Each static site generator has its strengths and weaknesses, so it's essential to choose the one that best fits your project's needs and your personal preferences. No matter which one you choose, you can enjoy the benefits of Jamstack and React to create fast, secure, and scalable web applications.