I'm currently managing a content-driven website built on Next.js and React. The site is doing remarkably well: I've got a perfect Lighthouse score of 99 for Performance and 100 for SEO, it's stable, and users are experiencing smooth mobile usage with no wait times. I haven't used any plugins or CMS, ensuring that everything is straightforward, and the images are optimized for speed. However, I'm considering a move to Eleventy because it promises a significant reduction in code—about 70-80%—and offers a simpler markdown-first writing experience with fast builds.
My concerns include potential complications with my image processing pipeline in Eleventy, which could necessitate third-party dependencies, something I've specifically avoided so far. Meanwhile, my current setup performs excellently, raising the question of whether migrating for the sake of simplicity is really worth the potential risks, especially when nothing is technically broken. I'm particularly keen to hear insights from those who have made the switch from Next.js to Eleventy and how they've managed it long-term.
5 Answers
While I appreciate Eleventy's simplicity, I think I'm leaning toward Astro because I've found their documentation to be far better. For static projects, I believe Astro might be the better choice, even though Eleventy offers ease.
It’s really about whether the migration is worth it, especially when your current setup is stable and functioning well. You mentioned having 99 on Lighthouse and a site that runs smoothly—this simplicity is important. Switching might just shift the complexity elsewhere and introduce new risks. I wouldn’t recommend moving unless Next.js becomes unmanageable.
Have you thought about trying Astro instead? It's more integrated with the React ecosystem, making transitions a bit easier. You might find it a good middle ground if you're looking for something new.
When deciding to switch frameworks, it's important to consider total cost of ownership (TCO). You have to weigh the costs and risks of sticking with Next.js against moving to Eleventy over the next few years. It's not just about opinions; look at the entire long-term picture.
If your site is already performing well and stable, the shift to Eleventy for the sake of 'simplicity' usually isn’t justified. You risk introducing unknowns like image processing issues, build failures, or SEO problems. Only switch if you foresee concrete benefits like a markdown-first approach, otherwise enhance your current setup to be leaner.
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