I Know It Is Tough to Figure Out Dynamic Imports with SSR in Next.js — This One Trick Solves It!

As a Next.js developer, you’re likely navigating the ever-evolving landscape of modern web development, where server-side rendering (SSR) and client-side rendering (CSR) need to coexist harmoniously. While Next.js makes it incredibly easy to build SEO-friendly and fast-loading applications, it also introduces some challenges, particularly when dealing with client-side libraries that rely on browser-specific APIs like window and document.

If you’ve been scratching your head while trying to implement dynamic imports and encountering frustrating errors along the way, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll dive into one such common problem, explain why it’s a headache, and provide a simple solution to solve it effectively.

The Problem: Dynamic Imports with SSR Conflicts

When working with modern JavaScript libraries, many depend on browser-specific features like window, document, and localStorage. However, Next.js by default tries to render everything on the server first (SSR). The problem arises when you try to use a client-only library in a server-rendered page.

For example, imagine you’re dynamically importing a charting library or a UI component that relies on the browser’s…