Do I Need to Learn Express Before Getting into Next.js?

September 16, 2025 5 answers
Asked by CuriousCoder29
I'm new to web development and I've noticed that Next.js is gaining popularity for its simplicity compared to manual setups. I'm wondering if it's necessary to learn Express.js before diving into Next.js, or if I can just jump straight into Next.js since it takes care of many features right out of the box. I'd love to hear some advice from experienced developers!

Answers

TechGuru78
You really don't need to learn Express first. I've met plenty of developers who skip it altogether. Just make sure you have a solid understanding of JavaScript (and TypeScript if you're into it). Express is pretty straightforward if you know JavaScript well, and you might need it later on if you end up developing a separate backend.
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FrontendFanatic32
I donโ€™t think itโ€™s essential to learn Express since the two arenโ€™t directly related. Youโ€™ll only carry over a small amount of knowledge from one to the other, so feel free to focus on Next.js!
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JSWiz101
Have you spent some time learning basic JavaScript without any frameworks? That's really important!
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BackendBuff776
Not really necessary to learn Express for Next.js, but understanding some Node.js and backend concepts can definitely help you grasp what Next.js is doing under the hood.
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ReactRanger88
I went straight into Next.js after working with React, and honestly, you can do the same. No need for Express first! Just check out the Next.js documentation; it's pretty helpful for getting familiar with the framework. However, since you're just starting out, I'd recommend getting comfortable with the basics of web development and React before jumping into Next.js.
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