Gatsby review
A broad React framework for static, dynamic, multilingual, and CMS-connected sites.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Gatsby is an open-source, React-based framework for building websites and web applications. It generates static assets at build time, combines content from filesystems, APIs, CMSs, databases, and other services, and exposes that information through a built-in GraphQL data layer. The framework fits teams building CMS-heavy React sites that need more than a basic static export, including multilingual websites, content-driven applications, and projects that mix static and server-rendered pages. Markdown support with frontmatter also gives teams a file-based content path alongside API and CMS integrations.
Its main advantage is breadth across content and rendering models. Gatsby supports static site generation, server-side rendering, Deferred Static Generation, and incremental builds that regenerate changed parts of a site. Source plugins extend the data layer to services such as Contentful, WordPress, DatoCMS, Sanity, Cosmic, Drupal, Shopify, and GraphQL. Internationalization guidance and multilingual routing options add another route for global sites, while the local development server includes live reloading and a data explorer. This combination suits projects where content sources, page types, and delivery requirements may change over time.
That breadth also means Gatsby is not the simplest choice for a small site that only needs a narrow static build. Development is centered on JavaScript and Node.js, and teams must choose among several rendering and data options rather than following a single path. Gatsby is maintained within Netlify, and Gatsby Cloud and Netlify Cloud are uniting with users directed to migrate to Netlify. Choose Gatsby when a React project needs CMS connectivity, GraphQL, multiple rendering strategies, or incremental builds. Choose a narrower static site generator when those capabilities would add unnecessary decisions.
Gatsby pros and cons
- Where it wins
- GraphQL data layer connects files, APIs, CMSs, databases, and services
- Supports static generation, SSR, DSG, and incremental builds
- Integrates with major CMSs, Shopify, and multilingual routing options
- Where it doesn't
- Requires JavaScript and Node.js development
- The broad feature set adds architectural choices for smaller sites
- Gatsby Cloud and Netlify Cloud are directing users to migrate to Netlify
Gatsby fact sheet, pricing and score →
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