Modern Web Podcast S12E16- Tim Neutkens, Co-Author of Next.js on the State of Next

Tim Neutkens, Co-author and Tech Lead for Next.js, discusses how open source maintainers are simplifying the web, and covers the challenges faced with the current Next.js setup. Tim  talks about TurboPack, a solution that optimizes bundling, improves parallelism, caching, and module graph calculations. He also talks about TurboAC, which focuses on addressing performance and compatibility issues, providing seamless transitions for Next.js users. Tim highlights the importance of efficient bundling processes to avoid excessive recompilation and discusses the updates in Next.js versions to enhance caching, rendering behavior, and client-side caching. Tim also discusses some exciting upcoming features in Next.js 15. 

Socials

Twitter: @timneutkens

GitHub: timneutkens

Bluesky: timneutkens.bsky.social

Website: https://timn.tech/

Links

Vercel on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, GitHub and Vercel's website

Next.js on Twitter, GitHub, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, official Next.js website

Turbopack on Twitter, GitHub, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Official Turbopack Docs

Webpack on GitHub, Twittvser, YouTube, and Official Webpack Website

Show Notes

[00:00:02] Next.js and the upcoming release of TurboPack.

[00:04:27] JavaScript bundlers evolving to handle growth.

[00:07:58] TurboPack solves Webpack limitations efficiently.

[00:12:12] Bundler compatibility for optimal app performance.

[00:16:50] Client components separated in webpack instance. Turbo pack for better parallelism and stability. Industry moving towards server-side. Feed and rollup still relevant. Collaboration between tools for future.

[00:20:57] Replacing part with roll down, similar to Webpack. Overlapping ecosystem with Avonetic Conference. Limits with unbundling and loading on demand. Cycle of building frameworks and hitting limits. History of using Webpack for client-side code. Two compiler architecture for server and client. Coordination between server and client with Webpack.

[00:25:38] Server action imports, turbo pack improves performance.

[00:30:04] Next.js is popular for websites.

[00:34:18] Chipotle using Next in Vercel, exciting improvements.

[00:38:51] Next.js 15 release candidate with changes.

Sponsored by Wix Studio.