Why Performance Matters? 

User expectations are higher than ever, and a slow-loading website can lead to high bounce rates and lost opportunities. Optimizing performance is essential for keeping users engaged and satisfied. 

Next.js's Role in Performance Optimization 

Next.js provides built-in tools and features that make it easier to achieve optimal performance for your web applications. By following best practices and leveraging these features, you can create apps that load quickly and provide seamless user experiences. 

Step 1: Set Up a Next.js Project 

Create a new Next.js project or use an existing one as the foundation for your performance optimization efforts. 

Step 2: Implement SSR and SSG 

Choose the appropriate rendering method (SSR or SSG) for different parts of your application. Use the `getServerSideProps` and `getStaticProps` functions to fetch and pre-render data. 

Step 3: Code Splitting 

Review your application's code and identify opportunities for code splitting. Use dynamic imports to load components only when needed. 

Step 4: Image Optimization 

Optimize images using tools like `next/image`, which provides automatic resizing and lazy loading capabilities. 

Step 5: Performance Monitoring 

Regularly monitor your application's performance using tools like Chrome DevTools and performance testing libraries.