Getting Started with Next.js

Building modern web applications has never been more exciting. Next.js brings together the best of React with powerful features like server-side rendering, static generation, and API routes — all in one framework. At Pulse, we chose Next.js to power our blog because it aligns perfectly with our commitment to fast, accessible experiences.

When we started rebuilding our web presence, performance was top of mind. Our users are out in the real world making connections, and when they do visit our site, every millisecond counts. Server-side rendering means the content is ready before it even reaches your browser.

Why Server-Side Rendering Matters

Traditional single-page applications send a blank HTML shell to the browser, then load JavaScript to fill in the content. This creates a noticeable delay — especially on mobile networks. With SSR, the server sends fully-rendered HTML, so users see content immediately.

For a blog, this is especially important. Search engines can crawl the content directly, improving discoverability. And readers on slower connections still get a great experience.

The Developer Experience

Next.js doesn't just benefit end users. The developer experience is outstanding. Hot module replacement means changes appear instantly during development. TypeScript support is built in. And the file-based routing system makes organizing pages intuitive.

We structured our blog using the App Router, which gives us layouts that persist across page navigations. The header and footer render once, and only the content area updates as you move between posts.

What's Next

We're just getting started. In upcoming posts, we'll dive into how we handle content management, our approach to responsive design, and the tooling that makes our workflow smooth. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes looks at how we build at Pulse.

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