The best open-source headless CMS for Next.js 2022

Hey readers, in this article we will be discussing cms in Next js in a step-wise, efficient manner. If you are a beginner and want to learn Next js then do check out other articles on Next js. The Next js is the latest framework that is on par with React js. It is used to build web applications with flexible routing and API integration.

What is Next js?

It is a minimalistic framework used for building SPA (Single Page Application) of JavaScript in a customizable way. It supports SSR (Server- Side Rendering) and has high performance. This is why it is extensively used today for building large-scale complex applications in an easy way. 

What are Headless CMS?

It is a back-end-only system for content management that delivers high-quality data to any API or platform service instead of a specific application or device. In reality, it means that creators of content are able to use a single repository and can deliver content from a single source to endless platforms or front-end services through API like websites, apps, tv, watch, etc.

But why use it?

With headless cms, there is a flexibility of build projects with preferred options like React, Next, Angular framework, etc. It doesn’t restrict to any specific technology like PHP in WordPress, instead, it is convenient and doesn’t have any restrictions. 

What is Next js CMS sanity?

It is an open-source cms that is API-based and that pairs with Next js perfectly. It is a cutting edge on the front-end of JavaScript across the front and back end of the application. It enables writing serverless calls to sanity API in Next js. The app can be integrated with cms and is efficient with just a few lines of code. It is the fastest and most reliable way to build and deploy digital content. 

To install and use sanity, write the command: npm install -g @sanity/cli && sanity init

Why is sanity the best?

• Written in React
• Integration of API with React framework
• Interactive web pages with serverless API Next js and use of Headless cms in application
• Allowing content to globally faster
• Cdn pairing with sanity application
• User auth and styling 

The code for integrating sanity within an application

const sanityClient = require("@sanity/client");
export const client = sanityClient({
projectId: process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_SANITY_ID,
dataset: "production",
useCdn: true,
});
export default function Home({ post }) {
return (
<div>{post.content}</div>
);
}
export async function getStaticProps({ params }) {
//use Sanity's home-grown query language GROQ to build anything you can imagine
const post = await client.fetch('*[_type == "post"][0]');
return {
props: {
post,
},
};
}

In order to use sanity, it is a bit of work. In order to make good use of it, documentation is crucial. It has plenty of plugins as it is made with React. The reason to use it is that it is customizable and can build anything with it.

What is Prismic CMS?

It is the easiest solution with a decent interface and text editor, especially for non-tech people. It is easy to learn and build applications using Prismic.

What is contentful?

Contentful is very extensible, the interface is pretty but its modularity is also its main flaw is: 

• everything is custom content and this makes the user experience fragmented with pop-ups on top of pop-ups making the creation of a simple image carousel feel like rocket science.
• GraphCMS is good to query against; organized and pretty looking, its major flaw is the text editor, which feels outdated and lacks a lot of features.

What is DatoCMS and why use it?

DatoCMS is perfect. It has features like pristine user experience looks modern, makes great use of screen real estate, is very customizable and white-labeled, but also is costly.

Conclusion

This was about cms in Next js, if you want to learn more about Next js, do check out the article and course on Codedamn of Next js. Hope you liked this, if you have any queries or suggestions do let us know in the comments. 

If you are interested in learning React, do check out courses on codedamn with an in-built environment playground to learn and practice code. Join the community of codedamn and do check out other articles related to programming and development on codedamn and subscribe to our newsletter to never miss out on our new programs and updates.

If you have any queries or feedback do let us know in the comment section, also if you sign up on the codedamn do check out the referral section, copy your link and refer to as many people as possible, and get exciting gifts, swags, and prizes from codedamn so don’t forget to check that out!