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Comparison

# Feature matrix

Feature Nix.js Kit Astro Next.js
SSG
SSR
ISR
File-based routing
Dynamic routes [slug], [...slug]
Route groups (group)
Layouts ✅ Nested
API routes route.ts
Server actions page.action.ts
Islands ❌ (RSC)
Zero client JS
Client runtime ~14KB ~0KB ~100KB+
SPA router
View Transitions ✅ (experimental)
Prefetch ✅ Viewport + hover
Scroll restoration
Metadata API generateMetadata() <head>
Content collections
Markdown marked (optional) ✅ Built-in ❌ MDX
Schema validation zod (optional) zod
Image optimization sharp (optional) sharp sharp
Middleware
Error pages
Streaming ⚠️ Experimental
CSRF protection ✅ Built-in
Progressive enhancement
Vite plugin
TypeScript ✅ TS 7 (Go) ✅ TS 5 ✅ TS 5
Adapters Vercel, Netlify, Bun, Node Many Vercel, Node

# When to choose Nix.js Kit

# Choose Nix.js Kit if:

  • You want Next.js conventions (file-based routing, layouts, actions, API routes) without the React tax
  • You want Astro-style islands with fine-grained signals instead of full hydration
  • You want a single framework that handles both content sites and interactive apps
  • You value zero client dependencies and a ~14KB runtime
  • You want TypeScript 7 with the native Go compiler
  • You want CSRF protection and progressive enhancement built-in

# Choose Astro if:

  • You need the largest ecosystem of integrations (MDX, React, Vue, Svelte components)
  • You need more adapters (Cloudflare, Deno, etc.)
  • You want mature streaming support
  • You're building a content-heavy site with minimal interactivity

# Choose Next.js if:

  • You're already invested in the React ecosystem
  • You need React Server Components
  • You want the largest community and commercial support
  • You need advanced features like next/font, next/script, Turbopack
  • You're building a highly interactive app where React's ecosystem matters

# Philosophy differences

# Nix.js Kit

  • Signal-based reactivity — no virtual DOM, no diffing
  • Tagged template literals — no JSX, no compiler step
  • Zero dependencies — optional peer deps only for content/images
  • Progressive enhancement — actions work without JavaScript

# Astro

  • Multi-framework — use React, Vue, Svelte, or plain HTML
  • Islands by default — zero JS unless you opt in
  • Content-first — built for blogs, docs, marketing sites

# Next.js

  • React-first — everything is a React component
  • RSC — server components reduce client bundle
  • Full-stack — API routes, actions, database, caching all built-in
  • Vercel-optimized — best DX on Vercel's platform
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