Part 49: Transitioning Next Reviews to a Full-Stack Application
[App] Headless CMS
In this post, we'll dive into the second phase of our Next Reviews project, transforming it from a static site into a full-stack application. This transition will allow us to explore more advanced Next.js features that require running our app on a Node.js server.
Embracing a Content Management System
Imagine our website has gained popularity, and we've enlisted friends to help with game reviews. To streamline the process for our collaborators, we're transitioning from using Markdown files to a Content Management System (CMS). A CMS provides a user-friendly interface for editing and previewing articles, making it accessible even for non-technical contributors.
The CMS will store all the reviews, and it offers an API that our Next.js application can call to fetch and display data on our pages. This setup not only provides us with abundant content but also teaches us how to retrieve data from an API.
Dynamic Data and Page Updates
As we integrate the CMS, we must consider how to update our pages when the data changes. Options range from dynamically rendering pages each time they are accessed to building static pages that regenerate whenever the CMS data updates. Both methods have their merits and can be employed depending on the specific needs of your application.
Image Optimization
Another crucial aspect we'll cover is image optimization. This involves ensuring that images load efficiently, improving page performance and user experience.
Why a Headless CMS?
Initially, we stored reviews in local Markdown files—a suitable approach for a simple website. However, it doesn't scale well, especially if non-technical individuals need to contribute. Expecting them to edit files and manage a version control system is impractical. A CMS offers an intuitive interface and allows our app to save and modify data more effectively.
Instead of relying solely on local files, we could opt for a database, enabling our Next.js app to read and write data directly. This setup also opens up possibilities for an admin interface where team members can manage reviews.
A more advanced approach involves having a separate backend application. This backend handles all database interactions, and our Next.js app communicates with it via HTTP requests. This setup is advantageous if you have multiple front-end applications, such as mobile apps, that need to access the same data source.
By choosing a Headless CMS, we gain the benefits of a dedicated API and a user-friendly admin interface. This allows our Next.js app to focus on serving public-facing pages while fetching data from the CMS API, rather than relying on local files.
Selecting the Right CMS
When choosing a CMS, there are numerous options, each with unique features. Some are open-source projects that you can run locally, while others are cloud-based platforms. It's essential to research and select a CMS that aligns with your project's needs.
For our example, we'll use an open-source CMS that allows for local deployment. This choice will provide a practical example of how to integrate a Next.js app with a CMS. However, your project may have different requirements, so it's crucial to evaluate various CMS options to find the best fit.
In conclusion, transitioning to a full-stack application with a Headless CMS not only enhances our project's functionality but also provides a scalable solution for content management and data handling. By leveraging a CMS, our Next.js app can efficiently serve dynamic content while maintaining a streamlined and user-friendly interface for contributors.
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