We are now also developing with Next.js – Why and what this means for our customers
We have always relied on stable, maintainable technologies. Now we are expanding our stack with Next.js, creating new opportunities for fast, interactive applications. Read here to find out what this means for our customers.
We started out with makandra 16 years ago. That was right in the middle of the financial crisis. The iPad was still a dream of the future, Instagram didn't exist, and Facebook was just starting to become big. Thomas and Henning had just graduated from university and were programming their first projects. The tech world was in a state of upheaval. In web development, a new language was causing a stir: Ruby on Rails. Fast, elegant, productive – Rails made many things that were previously complicated much easier. We made a decision that has stayed with us to this day: we decided to focus entirely on Ruby on Rails.
Since then, we have built countless applications with it, trained many trainees, and hosted systems that are still running today. Rails is not a mass framework today, but it is stable, secure, and ideal for the rapid development of applications that are intended for long-term use.
And yet, technology continues to evolve. Good decisions made in the past mean staying open to new ideas today. That's why we're expanding our stack. We are now also developing with Next.js, a modern framework based on React and Node.js. The first applications are already up and running, and they show us that there's a lot of potential here.
Why Next.js?
Our decision to go with Next.js is the result of many discussions, gathering experience, and requirements from customer projects. Next.js allows us to implement interactive UIs with high performance and user experience standards – with the precision you've come to expect from makandra. And not just in the frontend. The connection with Node.js creates a complete full-stack environment that really shines in headless architectures and portals with lots of dynamic content.
Next.js is the perfect addition to our portfolio. It enables us to develop applications that are fast, lean, and future-proof—without compromising on security or maintainability.
For which projects is Next.js particularly suitable?
Next.js is particularly suitable for projects when:
- fast loading times are important (e.g., for SEO-relevant websites)
- React components are already in use
- portals or applications contain many interactive elements
- a modern, modular architecture is desired.
We don't make decisions based on gut feeling, but on requirements. That's why Ruby on Rails remains an integral part of our technology strategy. The choice of the right technology is always individual and is made by us in consultation with the customer.
What we particularly like about Next.js
- Fast loading times
The framework comes with many best practices already built in. This noticeably improves the user experience. - Uniform stack
Frontend and backend run in JavaScript, which facilitates coordination and reduces friction. - High code quality
Structured components and automatic testing ensure that the code remains maintainable in the long term. The use of TypeScript eliminates many sources of error right from the start. - Future-proof architecture
React Server Components enable a seamless connection between frontend and backend.
What does this mean for our customers?
With an expanded technology stack, we have more options for developing tailor-made solutions and greater flexibility in front-end projects. You can rest assured that we do not experiment with new technologies, but approach projects with a clear focus and expertise.
Because one thing remains unchanged: we develop customized software – with technical depth, high quality, and a clear focus on maintainability and security.