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Getting Started with Next.js 14

January 15, 20242 min read
Next.jsReactWeb Development

Next.js has become one of the most popular frameworks for building React applications. With the release of version 14, it's even more powerful and developer-friendly.

Why Next.js?

Next.js provides a great developer experience with features like:

  • File-based routing - Create pages by adding files to the app directory
  • Server Components - Render components on the server for better performance
  • Built-in optimizations - Automatic code splitting, image optimization, and more
  • API Routes - Build your API endpoints alongside your frontend

Getting Started

To create a new Next.js project, run:

npx create-next-app@latest my-app

This will set up a new project with all the latest features, including TypeScript support and Tailwind CSS.

The App Router

Next.js 14 uses the App Router by default. This new routing system is built on React Server Components and provides:

  • Nested layouts
  • Loading and error states
  • Server-side rendering by default
  • Streaming and Suspense support

Server Components vs Client Components

One of the biggest changes in Next.js 14 is the distinction between Server and Client Components:

Server Components

  • Render on the server
  • Can directly access backend resources
  • Reduce JavaScript bundle size
  • Are the default in the App Router

Client Components

  • Render on the client
  • Can use hooks and browser APIs
  • Required for interactivity
  • Marked with "use client" directive

Conclusion

Next.js 14 is a powerful framework that makes building modern web applications easier than ever. Whether you're building a simple blog or a complex application, it has the tools you need.

Happy coding!