Getting Started with Next.js 14

Introduction to Next.js 14

Next.js 14 brings significant improvements to the React framework, making it easier than ever to build fast, modern web applications. In this guide, we'll explore the key features and how to get started.

Key Features

• App Router: A new way to structure your application with improved performance and developer experience
• Server Components: Render components on the server for better performance
• Improved TypeScript Support: Better type inference and error checking
• Enhanced Image Optimization: Automatic image optimization for better performance

Getting Started

To create a new Next.js 14 project, run the following command:

npx create-next-app@latest my-app --typescript --tailwind --eslint

This will create a new project with TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, and ESLint configured out of the box.

App Router Structure

The new App Router uses a file-system based routing approach where each folder represents a route segment. Here's the basic structure:

app/
├── layout.tsx       // Root layout
├── page.tsx         // Home page
├── about/
│   └── page.tsx     // About page
└── blog/
    ├── page.tsx     // Blog listing
    └── [slug]/
        └── page.tsx // Individual blog post

Server Components

Server Components allow you to render components on the server, reducing the amount of JavaScript sent to the client. They're perfect for data fetching and static content.

Conclusion

Next.js 14 offers powerful tools for building modern web applications. With its improved App Router, Server Components, and enhanced TypeScript support, you can create fast, scalable applications with ease.