Suggest an editImprove this articleRefine the answer for “Can Next.js be used only as a frontend?”. Your changes go to moderation before they’re published.Approval requiredContentWhat you’re changing🇺🇸EN🇺🇦UAPreviewTitle (EN)Short answer (EN)**Next.js can be used only as a frontend** - with an external backend (REST / GraphQL / gRPC), and having fullstack capabilities does not require using them. **Key point:** Next.js acts as a UI layer with SSR/SSG and SEO, while all business logic and data are handled in an external backend.Shown above the full answer for quick recall.Answer (EN)Image**Next.js can, and often is, used** ***only as a frontend*** - with an external backend (REST / GraphQL / gRPC). Having fullstack capabilities **does not require** using them. --- ## How Next.js works as a pure frontend In this scenario, **Next.js** acts as: - the UI layer (React) - routing - SEO rendering - performance optimization While all business logic and data live in an external backend: - NestJS - Spring - Laravel - any API --- ## Typical scheme ```txt Browser ↓ Next.js (SSR / SSG / CSR) ↓ External API (REST / GraphQL) ``` --- ## How exactly to use Next.js only as a frontend ### 1. Requests to an external API - `fetch()` to a third-party backend - data arrives already prepared ### 2. SSR / SSG without your own logic - the server renders the page - but takes data **from an external API** ### 3. Client Components for interactivity - forms - buttons - state - client-side validation --- ## When this is an excellent choice there is a ready backend microservice architecture a strict boundary of responsibility complex domain logic high load Next.js = **BFF / UI layer** --- ## When this is not worth doing a simple site or MVP a small application no separate backend team Here, Next.js's fullstack capabilities will speed up development. --- ## Important point Even in "frontend only" mode, you still get: - SSR / SSG / ISR - SEO - routing - image optimization - code splitting That is, **more than a regular React SPA**. --- ## Short interview answer > **Yes, Next.js can be used only as a frontend. In this case, it acts as a UI layer with SSR/SSG and SEO, while all business logic and data are handled in an external backend.**For the reviewerNote to the moderator (optional)Visible only to the moderator. Helps review go faster.