Why Developers Are Switching from Next.js to Tanstack

Feeling overwhelmed by Next.js? Discover why one developer made the switch to Tanstack for a more streamlined experience. Next.js has been a popular choice for frontend developers, but as it evolves, some find it increasingly complex and heavyweight. Tanstack, with its focus on simplicity and performance, is emerging as a compelling alternative, especially for those looking for a more manageable framework for their projects.

Original Video

This article is based on the excellent video by CoderOne on YouTube.

In this article we summarize the key concepts and add extra explanations for frontend developers.

Key Concepts

Transitioning from Next.js to Tanstack

The speaker's transition from Next.js to Tanstack stems from a growing frustration with Next.js's complexity. While Next.js has been a robust framework for building applications, its increasing number of features has made it feel bloated. Developers often find themselves spending more time configuring and managing the framework than actually building applications. Tanstack, on the other hand, emphasizes a more lightweight approach, allowing developers to focus on their code rather than wrestling with framework intricacies.

// Example of a simple Tanstack setup
import { createRouter } from '@tanstack/router';

const router = createRouter({
  routes: [
    { path: '/', element: <Home /> },
    { path: '/about', element: <About /> },
  ],
});

Enhanced Developer Experience

One of the standout features of Tanstack is its developer experience. The framework is designed to be intuitive, making it easier for developers to understand and utilize from the get-go. The folder structure and file naming conventions are straightforward, which reduces the learning curve significantly. In contrast, Next.js often requires developers to refer back to documentation to understand its routing and configuration intricacies.

// Example of a straightforward folder structure in Tanstack
/src
  /routes
    /index.js
    /about.js

Vite Integration for Performance

Tanstack's integration with Vite is another major advantage. Vite is known for its fast development server and optimized build process, which enhances the overall performance of applications built with Tanstack. This integration allows developers to take advantage of hot module replacement and faster build times, streamlining the development workflow.

# Start a Tanstack project with Vite
npm create tanstack-app my-app --template vite

Control Over Framework Behavior

Tanstack provides developers with greater control over the framework's behavior. Unlike Next.js, where developers often have to adapt to the framework's conventions, Tanstack allows for more customization. This means developers can dictate how the framework handles server-side rendering, static site generation, and other functionalities, leading to a more tailored development experience.

// Configuring server-side rendering in Tanstack
const config = {
  ssr: true,
  // other configurations...
};

Simplified Routing

Routing in Tanstack is designed to be more user-friendly compared to Next.js. Developers can easily define routes without needing to adhere to complex folder structures or naming conventions. This simplicity not only speeds up the development process but also makes the codebase easier to navigate and maintain.

// Simple route definition in Tanstack
router.route('/products', () => <Products />);

Real-world use cases

E-commerce Platforms: Many developers are using Tanstack to build e-commerce platforms due to its lightweight nature and performance benefits, allowing for faster load times and a better user experience.

Content Management Systems: Tanstack's flexibility makes it an excellent choice for building custom content management systems where developers need to control how data is fetched and displayed.

Single Page Applications (SPAs): The straightforward routing and enhanced performance of Tanstack make it a popular choice for SPAs, allowing for quick navigation and seamless user experiences.

Prototyping and MVP Development: Startups are leveraging Tanstack for rapid prototyping and MVPs due to its ease of setup and configuration, enabling faster iterations and feedback cycles.

Educational Platforms: Tanstack is being adopted in educational platforms where developers need to create interactive and responsive learning experiences without the overhead of complex frameworks.

Common mistakes

Overcomplicating Configuration: Developers often try to over-configure their Tanstack setups, leading to unnecessary complexity. Instead, keep configurations simple and only add what is needed.

// Anti-pattern: Overcomplicated config
const config = {
  ssr: true,
  prerender: true,
  // unnecessary options...
};

// Better approach: Simplified config
const config = {
  ssr: true,
};

Ignoring Documentation: While Tanstack is intuitive, some developers skip reading the documentation entirely, which can lead to misunderstandings about its features. Always refer to the official docs for best practices.

Neglecting Performance Testing: Developers sometimes forget to test performance, assuming Tanstack will automatically optimize everything. Regular performance audits are essential to maintain a fast application.

Misusing Routing: Some developers may misuse the routing capabilities by creating overly nested routes, which can complicate the application structure. Aim for a flat routing structure where possible.

// Anti-pattern: Overly nested routes
router.route('/products/electronics/laptops', () => <Laptops />);

// Better approach: Flat structure
router.route('/products/laptops', () => <Laptops />);

Summary

The shift from Next.js to Tanstack highlights a growing desire among developers for frameworks that prioritize simplicity and performance. Tanstack's focus on a better developer experience, enhanced control, and integration with Vite makes it a compelling choice for modern web applications. As you consider your next project, think about how Tanstack could streamline your development process and improve your workflow.

Credits

Original video: Sorry but I had to move off Next.js
Channel: CoderOne
Published: March 16, 2026

This article is an AI-assisted summary and interpretation. Watch the original for full context and nuance.