Static Site Generation (SSG) has been around forever. But Next.js, specifically with the App Router, has changed the game.
The Server Component Paradigm
By default, everything is a server component. This means zero bundle size for your layout logic, your data fetching, and your static HTML generation.
Performance Wins
- Instant Navigation: With prefetching, changing pages feels instantaneous.
- Image Optimization: The
next/imagecomponent is a lifesaver. - SEO: Perfect headers, perfect meta tags, every time.
It's not just about speed for the user; it's about velocity for the developer.