Don't preemptively give up on React with Next.js because some posters turn their frustration with it into contempt. Many of us use React 19 and Next App Router to great effect, and enjoy it, although there was certainly a learning curve.
NextJS app router/server components is incredible. By focusing on server-component-compatible patterns for interactivity, my rather complex web app retains like 90% of its functionality even with client side js disabled. I think the hate it gets really might be a skill issue.
It’s not about frustration, unwillingness to learn, or dismissing the tool altogether. My point is about trust. I just can’t imagine a Next.js app being as easily maintainable 10 years down the road as a Rails one. Honestly, I can’t even picture upgrading to a new major version without breaking something, because the pace of changes is just too fast. Sure, it’s great for small, simple projects. But building a business on it and risking breakages or dropped support? Not for me.
This isn't accurate. Most Next shops continue to use Page Router with no problems. We have an internal tool that uses both Page Router with React 13 and App Router with React 19, all seamlessly supported OOB, including frontend composition. So, again, I have to assume most of the FUD is rooted in inexperience.
