Speeding Up Your Frontend Workflow with Next.js and UI Libraries

Introduction: Learning from Early Mistakes

When I first started working on frontend projects, I thought building everything myself was the way to go. "Oh, just a simple dropdown, right?" Yeah, not so much. I quickly realized that even a seemingly simple component can lead to endless complexity—adding animations, making it responsive, fixing bugs—and suddenly, you're stuck in a time-consuming process with more bugs and less maintainable code than you expected.

That’s when I learned to reduce complexity. Now, I use UI libraries to speed up my workflow. By focusing on using pre-built solutions, I save time and can concentrate on core features that actually add value to the project.

The Trap of Overcomplicating Small Features

The reality is that focusing on every tiny detail too early can lead to a never-ending cycle of revisions and wasted time. I learned the hard way that overcomplicating small features not only delays your progress but also introduces unnecessary complexity into your codebase.

Now, I always ask myself: "Does this add significant value to the project?" If the answer is no, I move on to the core features first and come back to the small stuff later.

Leveraging UI Libraries to Simplify and Speed Up Development

This is where UI libraries come in handy. Instead of building everything from scratch, I use pre-built components that have already been tested and refined by a community of developers. These libraries not only save time but also ensure that my code remains clean and maintainable.

One of my go-to libraries is Shadcn UI, which has excellent community support and a rich set of components. It integrates seamlessly with Next.js, allowing me to focus on core functionality rather than reinventing the wheel.

If you're looking for more pre-built solutions, I recommend checking out this resource:
Shadcn UI Extensions. This collection has saved me countless hours by providing well-optimized components that reduce my workload significantly.

Other UI Libraries Worth Considering

While I personally favor Shadcn UI, there are plenty of other UI libraries out there that could suit your needs depending on your project. Some libraries are worth exploring based on their features, ease of use, and design philosophy. Take the time to check them out and see what aligns best with your workflow. Each library has its strengths, so I recommend exploring them to find the one that best fits your project’s needs.

One of the main reasons I choose Shadcn UI is because it doesn't clutter your project with unnecessary components. You install only the components you need, keeping your project lightweight and maintainable. This modular approach means you aren’t overloading your project with features that will never be used, ensuring a clean and optimized codebase. Its also easy to costumize each component with Tailwind CSS. Here’s a simple example of how you can use a button component in Shadcn UI:

// First, install the specific component you need
npm install @shadcn/button

// Then, import it into your project and use it:
import { Button } from "@shadcn/button";

function App() {
  return (
    <div>
      <Button onClick={() => alert('Clicked!')}>
        Click Me
      </Button>
    </div>
  );
}

export default App;

Conclusion: Faster, Simpler, and More Effective

In frontend development, speeding up your workflow means working smarter, not harder. can save you time, ensure consistency, and reduce complexity. And remember, before diving into building custom components, ask yourself: "Is this really necessary?"

Focus on the core features, use libraries to handle the details, and you’ll find yourself finishing projects faster, with cleaner and more maintainable code.