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Next.js Introduction
Overview
Next.js is a powerful React framework built by Vercel. While React is a library for building user interfaces, Next.js provides the full architecture needed for production: Server-Side Rendering (SSR), Static Site Generation (SSG), API routes, file-based routing, and built-in optimizations. It solves React's SEO issues and slow initial page loads.
Syntax
tsx
// A standard Next.js Page (App Router)
export default function Home() {
return (
<main>
<h1>Welcome to Next.js</h1>
<p>This page is automatically server-rendered!</p>
</main>
);
}Common Pitfalls
- Confusing the new App Router (app/) with the older Pages Router (pages/).
- Thinking Next.js completely replaces React—it actually builds on top of it.
- Forgetting that components are Server Components by default in Next.js 13+.
Interview Questions
Q:
Why choose Next.js over plain React (CRA/Vite)?
A:
Next.js provides out-of-the-box SSR/SSG for better SEO and initial load times, built-in routing, API routes (full-stack capabilities), and automatic image/font optimizations.
Real-World Example
A simple landing page that benefits from automatic SSR.
example
tsx
// app/page.tsx
export default function LandingPage() {
return (
<div className="flex flex-col items-center">
<h1 className="text-4xl font-bold">Start Building with Next.js</h1>
<button className="mt-4 bg-blue-500 text-white p-2 rounded">Get Started</button>
</div>
);
}Check Your Knowledge
Test your understanding of Next.js Introduction with these quick questions.