Next.js Series: Third Project - Episode 1

Introduction

• Welcome to the third project in the Next.js series.
• Aim: Create a production-level Next.js project.
• Comment target: 530 comments to keep motivation high.

Project Overview

• Create a new Next.js project.
• Discuss relevant libraries, especially Zod.
• Zod provides schemas that ensure type safety and validation.

Next.js Project Setup

1. Initialize Project

   • Create a new Next.js project using the command line.
   • Answer prompts such as project name (e.g., MysteryMessage) and TypeScript usage.
   • Use TypeScript for type safety.
   • Include configurations like ESLint and Tailwind CSS.
   • Use the /src directory for organizing files.

2. Basic Commands

   • npm run dev: Start the Next.js development server.
   • If issues occur, check for proper installation and rerun npm install.

Structuring the Project

1. Creating Models

   • Create a /models directory in /src.
   • Define models using TypeScript and Mongoose.
   • Example: Define User and Message models.

2. Message Model Implementation

   • Create a message.ts file.
   • Use Mongoose for defining schema.
   • Example Schema Fields: content (string), createdAt (date).
   • Include TypeScript to ensure type safety.

3. User Model Implementation

   • Create a user.ts file.
   • Define schema fields like username, email, password, verifyCode, etc.
   • Use Mongoose's validation and TypeScript for type safety.

Exporting Models

• Inline checks for existing models to avoid duplicate schema creation.
• Export models for use in other parts of the application.

Schema Validation with Zod

1. Introduction to Zod

   • Zod: A TypeScript-first schema validation library.
   • Useful for ensuring data integrity before interacting with the database.

2. Installing Zod

   • Install Zod via npm.
   • Example: npm install zod.

3. Defining Schemas with Zod

   • Create validation schemas for various user interactions such as sign-up, sign-in, and messaging.
   • Example: Define schemas in /schemas directory.

4. Schema Examples

   • Sign-up schema: Validate username, email, password.
   • Sign-in schema: Validate email and password.
   • Message schema: Validate message content length and type.
   • Use Zod methods like z.string(), z.min(), z.max(), etc.

Key Takeaways

• Importance of comments for motivation.
• Use of TypeScript and Zod for type safety and validation.
• Structuring Next.js projects with organized directories.
• Basic Next.js commands for project setup and debugging.
• Integration of Mongoose for database models.

Conclusion

• Upcoming tasks: Continue enhancing project structure and configurations in the next video.
• Reminder to participate through comments to keep the motivation going.

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Note: This session covered initial project setup, model creation, and schema validation using Zod.