Next.js: The React Framework

A warm welcome to the Next.js course by Uplatz.

Next.js is a popular React framework for building server-side rendered (SSR) web applications and static websites. Developed by Vercel, it simplifies the development of React applications by providing a range of features that enhance performance, scalability, and developer experience.

How Next.js works

Next.js operates on top of React and provides a set of functionalities that facilitate rendering and routing. Here’s a high-level overview of how it works:

1. Server-Side Rendering (SSR)
   • Initial Request: When a user requests a page, Next.js generates the HTML on the server for the initial load. This improves SEO and page load times.
   • Hydration: After the initial load, Next.js sends the JavaScript bundle to the client, which “hydrates” the page, making it interactive.
2. Static Site Generation (SSG)
   • Pre-rendering: For static pages, Next.js generates HTML at build time, which is served directly from a CDN. This provides fast load times and improves performance.
3. API Routes
   • Serverless Functions: Next.js allows you to define API routes directly within your application. These are serverless functions that handle backend logic and can be used for tasks like form submissions or data fetching.
4. File-Based Routing
   • Dynamic Routes: Next.js uses a file-based routing system where the file structure in the pages directory corresponds to the routes in the application. Dynamic routes can be created using file names enclosed in square brackets.
5. Automatic Code Splitting
   • On-Demand Loading: Next.js automatically splits your code and loads only the necessary JavaScript for the requested page, improving load times and performance.
6. CSS and Sass Support
   • Built-in Support: Next.js provides built-in support for CSS and Sass. You can import styles directly into your components or use CSS modules for scoped styling.

Key Features of Next.js

1. Server-Side Rendering (SSR)
   • Enables generating HTML on the server for each request, enhancing SEO and load times.
2. Static Site Generation (SSG)
   • Allows pre-rendering of pages at build time, resulting in fast performance and easy deployment.
3. Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR)
   • Enables updating static content after the build without rebuilding the entire site. This allows for static pages to be updated incrementally.
4. File-Based Routing
   • Uses a simple file-based routing system where files in the pages directory automatically become routes in the application.
5. API Routes
   • Provides a way to create backend endpoints as serverless functions, simplifying server-side logic management.
6. Automatic Code Splitting
   • Splits code automatically to load only the necessary JavaScript for the requested page, improving performance.
7. Built-in CSS and Sass Support
   • Supports importing CSS and Sass files, along with CSS Modules for scoped styles.
8. TypeScript Support
   • Out-of-the-box TypeScript support, making it easy to integrate TypeScript into your Next.js application.
9. Image Optimization
   • Provides an Image component for automatic optimization of images, including lazy loading and responsive sizing.
10. Fast Refresh
    • Features fast refresh for React components, providing immediate feedback during development without losing component state.

Next.js combines these features to create a highly efficient and developer-friendly framework for building modern web applications, balancing the benefits of both static and dynamic rendering.

Next.js – Course Curriculum

Module 1: Introduction to Next.js

1. Getting Started with Next.js: An Overview and Benefits
   • Description: Introduction to Next.js, exploring its core features and the advantages it offers for modern web development.
2. Kickstarting Your Next.js Project: Setup and Structure
   • Description: Learn how to create a Next.js application using the create-next-app command and navigate the project folder structure.

Module 2: Routing in Next.js

3. Mastering Next.js Routing: From Basics to Advanced Techniques
   • Description: Discover various routing techniques in Next.js, including basic, dynamic, nested, and catch-all routes for building complex applications.
4. Building Efficient Navigation with Parallel Routes in Next.js
   • Description: Implement parallel routes in Next.js by developing a small, practical application to enhance navigation.
5. Advanced Routing Techniques: Intercepting Routes in Next.js
   • Description: Explore techniques for intercepting routes, including soft and direct route interception, to improve navigation and user flow.

Module 3: Styling in Next.js

6. Styling Your Next.js Application: A Comprehensive Guide
   • Description: A deep dive into styling methods available in Next.js 14, including CSS Modules, Sass, styled-jsx, and other approaches to effectively style your application.

Module 4: Asset Management and SEO

7. Optimizing Images, Metadata, and SEO in Next.js
   • Description: Learn how to handle images and static files, configure metadata for pages, and implement SEO optimization techniques to enhance your site’s visibility.

Module 5: Data Management

8. Data Fetching in Next.js: Best Practices and Techniques
   • Description: Explore different methods of data fetching in Next.js, including Server-Side Rendering (SSR), Static Site Generation (SSG), and client-side fetching to improve application performance.
9. Next.js Project with Prisma and SQLite: A Practical Approach
   • Description: Create a project using Prisma for database management and SQLite, utilizing the latest Next.js route handlers to manage data effectively.

Module 6: API Routes and Middleware

10. Building and Managing API Routes in Next.js
    • Description: A comprehensive overview of creating and managing API routes in Next.js, including various routing strategies and best practices.
11. Harnessing the Power of Middleware in Next.js
    • Description: In-depth discussion on Next.js Middleware and Edge Runtime, with practical examples of how to implement them to enhance application functionality.

Module 7: User Experience Enhancements

12. Enhancing UX with Custom Loading UI in Next.js
    • Description: Explore different methods to create effective loading states in your application, improving user experience during data fetching or page transitions.
13. Creating a Custom 404 Page in Next.js: Enhancing User Experience
    • Description: Learn how to design a custom “Not Found” page in Next.js and display site-specific information to guide users when they encounter a missing page.

Module 8: Error Handling

14. Error Handling in Next.js: Managing Runtime and Global Errors
    • Description: Understand how to handle and manage both runtime segment errors and global errors within your Next.js applications to ensure robustness and reliability.

Module 9: Building Projects

15. Hands-On Project: Building with Next.js 14
    • Description: Apply the concepts learned by building a small project that incorporates various Next.js 14 features, reinforcing your understanding through practical application.
16. Building a Project with Prisma and SQLite: A Practical Approach
    • Description: Dive deeper into building projects with Prisma and SQLite, utilizing the latest Next.js route handlers to manage data and backend integration.

Module 10: Deployment

17. Deploying Next.js Apps: A Complete Guide to Vercel
    • Description: Step-by-step guide on deploying your Next.js application to Vercel, including integration with GitHub and managing deployments for seamless updates.

Module 11: Interview Preparation

18. Ace Your Next.js Interviews: Key Questions and Concepts
    • Description: Review common interview questions and essential concepts related to Next.js to prepare effectively for job interviews and demonstrate your expertise.