What are Custom Widgets?
Widgets are an essential part of modern web design. They can be described as application extensions that are often embedded into websites to perform a specific function. A custom widget, as the name implies, is a widget that is specifically designed or customized to cater to certain unique requirements or purposes.
Why use Custom Widgets in NextJS
NextJS is a popular, open-source React front-end development web framework that allows developers to create server-side rendered and static web applications. This framework has gained popularity because it allows developers to create feature-rich, fast, and reliable web pages.
One notable merit of using custom widgets in NextJS is that they enable developers to reuse components across different parts of an application while maintaining the same functionality. This provides a consistent user experience throughout the website, while also easing the workload for developers.
Secondly, custom widgets can make your NextJS applications more personal. With custom widgets, you can target specific user groups, jurisdictions, preferences or even behaviors to deliver a personalized user experience. This will not only serve to boost user interaction and engagement levels but also works great in increasing conversion.
Creating and Integrating Custom Widgets in NextJS
There are numerous ways to create and integrate custom widgets in NextJS applications. Below we will discuss one generic way to do it from scratch.
1. **Design your widget**: The first step is to design your widget in your NextJS application. To do this, you will have to create a new component in your components directory.
2. **Add functionality**: Once you have created and designed your widget, the next step is to add the desired functionality. Depending on the complexity of your widget, you may choose to include state management, api calls or other complex functionalities.
3. **Embed your widget**: After your widget has the desired functionality, you can now embed it in any part of your application.
However, you should remember that creating custom widgets from scratch requires effort, time and a good understanding of the NextJS and React frameworks.
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