Zero-Runtime CSS-in-JS Libraries in Nextjs with Use Theme

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Using a zero-runtime CSS-in-JS library like `use theme` can greatly simplify your Next.js project. It eliminates the need for runtime CSS rendering, making your application faster and more efficient.

`use theme` is a popular choice for Next.js developers because it provides a seamless integration with the framework's server components. This means you can take advantage of its benefits without having to worry about complex setup or configuration.

One of the key benefits of `use theme` is its ability to pre-render CSS at build time, eliminating the need for runtime CSS rendering. This results in a significant performance boost, especially for applications with complex UI components.

What are Zero-Runtime CSS-in-JS Libraries?

Zero-runtime CSS-in-JS libraries are a game-changer for Next.js developers. They're designed to work seamlessly with React Server Components, unlike some other libraries.

These libraries process all the styling at compile-time, rather than at runtime. This means they're done before the application starts running in production.

They're built on top of modern React applications' build step, where TypeScript/JSX is turned into JavaScript. This process packages thousands of individual files into a handful of bundles.

One such library is Emotion, which is used by MaterialUI, a popular React component library.

Benefits of Using Zero-Runtime CSS-in-JS Libraries

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Using a zero-runtime CSS-in-JS library can be a game-changer for your Next.js application. These libraries process styled components at compile-time, rather than at runtime, which is a major departure from traditional libraries like styled-components.

This approach allows for full compatibility with React Server Components, which is a huge plus. The React community has been working on developing libraries that offer a styled-components-like API, but with this added benefit.

By processing styled components at compile-time, you can avoid the issues that come with runtime processing, and create a more efficient and scalable application.

Improved Performance

Using zero-runtime CSS-in-JS libraries can significantly improve the performance of your application. For instance, Glimmer's virtual DOM implementation reduces the number of DOM mutations, resulting in faster rendering.

By leveraging the power of CSS-in-JS, developers can eliminate the need for CSS files, which can slow down page loads. This is evident in the case of Glamorous, which uses a CSS-in-JS approach to remove the need for CSS files.

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Glimmer's virtual DOM implementation also allows for more efficient rendering of components, as it reduces the number of DOM mutations. This results in faster rendering times, making it ideal for complex and dynamic applications.

With zero-runtime CSS-in-JS libraries, developers can enjoy faster page loads, reduced DOM mutations, and improved overall application performance.

Simplified Code Management

One of the biggest benefits of using zero-runtime CSS-in-JS libraries is the simplified code management they offer. This is because they eliminate the need for manual code updates and maintenance.

With zero-runtime libraries, you can write CSS code directly in your JavaScript files, which means you don't have to worry about updating CSS files separately. This approach reduces the risk of code duplication and inconsistencies.

For example, in the case of styled-components, you can use a syntax like `const Button = styled.button` to create a reusable button component. This approach eliminates the need for manual code updates and maintenance.

This simplified code management also makes it easier to collaborate with other developers, as everyone can work on the same codebase without worrying about conflicting changes.

How to Implement Zero-Runtime CSS-in-JS Libraries in Next.js

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Implementing zero-runtime CSS-in-JS libraries in Next.js can be a game-changer for your server components. MaterialUI, a popular React component library, is built on top of Emotion, which offers a styled-components-like API with full compatibility with React Server Components.

The key to implementing these libraries lies in processing styled components at compile-time, rather than runtime. Modern React applications have a build step where TypeScript/JSX is turned into JavaScript, and thousands of files are bundled into a handful of bundles. This is exactly where we can process our styled components, before the application starts running in production.

Installation and Setup

To install a zero-runtime CSS-in-JS library in Next.js, you'll need to run npm install or yarn add in your project directory. This will allow you to use the library in your project.

Next, you'll need to configure the library in your Next.js project by importing it in your pages/_app.js file. This is where you'll set up the library to work seamlessly with Next.js.

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You can then use the library's API to style your components in a way that's both efficient and scalable. For example, you can use the library's styled function to create a reusable Button component.

To get the most out of your zero-runtime CSS-in-JS library, be sure to check out the library's documentation for specific configuration options and best practices. This will help you optimize performance and get the most out of your library.

Example Use Cases

Implementing zero-runtime CSS-in-JS libraries in Next.js can be a game-changer for your application's performance.

By using Mantine, you can create a custom theme with a single line of code, as seen in the example where `const theme = createMantineTheme();` is used to create a theme with default styles.

With a zero-runtime library like Mantine, you can optimize your application's performance by reducing the amount of code that needs to be executed at runtime.

The Mantine example demonstrates how to use the library's built-in components, such as the `AppShell` component, which can be used to create a custom app shell.

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By using a zero-runtime library, you can also improve the maintainability of your codebase by reducing the amount of code that needs to be updated when changes are made to the theme.

The example code shows how to use Mantine's `createMantineTheme` function to create a custom theme with custom styles, which can be used throughout the application.

With a zero-runtime library like Mantine, you can also take advantage of features like automatic theme injection, which can simplify the process of theming your application.

The Mantine example also demonstrates how to use the library's built-in components, such as the `Button` component, which can be used to create custom buttons throughout the application.

By using a zero-runtime library, you can also improve the performance of your application by reducing the amount of code that needs to be executed at runtime, which can result in faster page loads and improved user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does mui work with server components?

Unfortunately, MUI does not work with server components due to its reliance on unsupported features like Context and CSS-in-JSS. However, you may still be able to use MUI for non-interactive content, but with limitations.

Does Next.js use Server-side Rendering?

Yes, Next.js uses Server-side Rendering by default, making it easy to get started with server rendering. You can also opt into using Client Components when needed.

Margarita Champlin

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Margarita Champlin is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for simplifying complex topics, she has established herself as a go-to expert in the field of technology. Her writing has been featured in various publications, covering a range of topics, including Azure Monitoring.

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