nextjs-best-practices
PopulaireNext.js App Router principles. Server Components, data fetching, routing patterns.
Next.js App Router principles. Server Components, data fetching, routing patterns.
Next.js Best Practices
Principles for Next.js App Router development.
1. Server vs Client Components
Decision Tree
Does it need...?
│
├── useState, useEffect, event handlers
│ └── Client Component ('use client')
│
├── Direct data fetching, no interactivity
│ └── Server Component (default)
│
└── Both?
└── Split: Server parent + Client child
By Default
| Type | Use |
|---|---|
| Server | Data fetching, layout, static content |
| Client | Forms, buttons, interactive UI |
2. Data Fetching Patterns
Fetch Strategy
| Pattern | Use |
|---|---|
| Default | Static (cached at build) |
| Revalidate | ISR (time-based refresh) |
| No-store | Dynamic (every request) |
Data Flow
| Source | Pattern |
|---|---|
| Database | Server Component fetch |
| API | fetch with caching |
| User input | Client state + server action |
3. Routing Principles
File Conventions
| File | Purpose |
|---|---|
page.tsx |
Route UI |
layout.tsx |
Shared layout |
loading.tsx |
Loading state |
error.tsx |
Error boundary |
not-found.tsx |
404 page |
Route Organization
| Pattern | Use |
|---|---|
Route groups (name) |
Organize without URL |
Parallel routes @slot |
Multiple same-level pages |
Intercepting (.) |
Modal overlays |
4. API Routes
Route Handlers
| Method | Use |
|---|---|
| GET | Read data |
| POST | Create data |
| PUT/PATCH | Update data |
| DELETE | Remove data |
Best Practices
- Validate input with Zod
- Return proper status codes
- Handle errors gracefully
- Use Edge runtime when possible
5. Performance Principles
Image Optimization
- Use next/image component
- Set priority for above-fold
- Provide blur placeholder
- Use responsive sizes
Bundle Optimization
- Dynamic imports for heavy components
- Route-based code splitting (automatic)
- Analyze with bundle analyzer
6. Metadata
Static vs Dynamic
| Type | Use |
|---|---|
| Static export | Fixed metadata |
| generateMetadata | Dynamic per-route |
Essential Tags
- title (50-60 chars)
- description (150-160 chars)
- Open Graph images
- Canonical URL
7. Caching Strategy
Cache Layers
| Layer | Control |
|---|---|
| Request | fetch options |
| Data | revalidate/tags |
| Full route | route config |
Revalidation
| Method | Use |
|---|---|
| Time-based | revalidate: 60 |
| On-demand | revalidatePath/Tag |
| No cache | no-store |
8. Server Actions
Use Cases
- Form submissions
- Data mutations
- Revalidation triggers
Best Practices
- Mark with 'use server'
- Validate all inputs
- Return typed responses
- Handle errors
9. Anti-Patterns
| ❌ Don't | ✅ Do |
|---|---|
| 'use client' everywhere | Server by default |
| Fetch in client components | Fetch in server |
| Skip loading states | Use loading.tsx |
| Ignore error boundaries | Use error.tsx |
| Large client bundles | Dynamic imports |
10. Project Structure
app/
├── (marketing)/ # Route group
│ └── page.tsx
├── (dashboard)/
│ ├── layout.tsx # Dashboard layout
│ └── page.tsx
├── api/
│ └── [resource]/
│ └── route.ts
└── components/
└── ui/
Remember: Server Components are the default for a reason. Start there, add client only when needed.
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