How to add lazy loading for images in Next.js?

@jacey.lubowitz 

Adding lazy loading to images in a Next.js application can help improve performance by deferring the loading of images until they are needed (i.e., when they enter the viewport). In Next.js, you can accomplish this easily, particularly with the built-in next/image component, which supports lazy loading out of the box. Here's how you can add lazy loading for images:

Using next/image

1. Import the Image Component: First, import the Image component from next/image. import Image from 'next/image';
2. Use the Image Component: The Image component automatically supports lazy loading for images. It includes a loading attribute, but by default, it is set to lazy, so you typically don't need to configure it manually. const MyComponent = () => { return ( ); }; export default MyComponent;

Key Points:

• Automatic Lazy Loading: The Image component uses native browser lazy loading and other optimizations, by default, to improve page speed and resource loading.
• Image Optimization: The next/image component also optimizes images on-demand, serving images in modern formats where supported.
• Placeholder: While the image is loading, you can use the placeholder property with values like 'blur' for a blurred image placeholder or 'empty' if you don't want any placeholder.

If you are not using the next/image component, you can still implement custom lazy loading logic using libraries such as react-intersection-observer to manage when images enter the viewport, but using next/image provides you with a streamlined solution that includes a host of optimizations beyond just lazy loading.