Complete Next.js 14 Tutorial Notes

Introduction to Next.js 14

• Next.js is the most popular React framework, used by thousands of websites.
• Key features include:
  • Fast and secure web applications
  • Full stack application development

Tutorial Overview

• Covers:
  • App Router
  • Server side and client side rendering
  • Data fetching
  • API routes
  • Server actions
  • Authentication, and more.
• Final goal: Building a full stack application.

Initial Setup

• Ensure Node.js is installed.
• Create a new Next.js app:

  npx create-next-app@latest .
  

• Choose options: TypeScript/JavaScript, ESLint, source directory.
• Install libraries with npm install.

Project Structure

• Folder structure:
  • app directory for pages.
  • public for media files.
  • src for components.
• Using @ for easy path referencing in imports (points to src).

App Router

• Utilize app directory for routing without additional libraries.
  • Example paths: /about, /contact, /blog.
• Dynamic routes: Enclosed in square brackets (e.g., [slug]).

Pages Creation

• Home, About, Contact, and Blog pages setup.
• Implement nested routes: /about/company, and /about/career.

Layouts

• Use of layout.js for common elements (e.g., navigation bar).
• Opportunity to create child layouts for specific sections (e.g., blog).

Styling

• Use global CSS for common styles; separate CSS modules for components.
• Implement responsive design principles.

Data Fetching

Static and Dynamic Data

• Fetching methods with static and dynamic data using Next.js capabilities.
• Introduction to SWC (the Rust-based compiler for ultra-fast builds).

Authentication

• Steps to implement social authentication (e.g., GitHub):
  • Create OAuth app in GitHub.
  • Pass client ID and secret to the Next.js app.
  • Use NextAuth.js library for session management and user authentication.
• Implement username/password login for use cases.

Server Actions

• Explanation of server actions for creating/updating data directly on the server.
• Use use server directive to facilitate database actions without creating independent API routes.

Middleware

• Protecting routes using middleware.
• Handle session checks and authentication status before accessing pages.

Conclusion

• Summary of what was learned: application structure, routing, component design, data fetching, server actions, user authentication, and more.

Next Steps

• Recommended advanced courses for deeper understanding.

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