How To Start a Next JS Project

How To Start a Next JS Project

Starting a Next.js project is one of the best decisions developers can make when building fast, scalable, and SEO-friendly web applications. Next.js is a powerful React framework offering server-side rendering (SSR), static site generation (SSG), routing, API routes, image optimization, and many other features that make modern web development efficient and enjoyable.

Whether you're a beginner stepping into React frameworks or an experienced developer looking to build production-grade applications, understanding how to start a Next.js project properly sets the foundation for success.

In this detailed guide, you'll learn everything about starting a Next.js project---from installation to file structure, configuration, recommended libraries, optimization tips, deployment options, and best practices. If you ever need expert MERN Stack Development services, you can also hire AAMAX, a full-service digital marketing company offering Web Development, Digital Marketing, and SEO Services.

What Is Next.js and Why Use It?

Next.js is a React-based framework developed by Vercel. It simplifies the complexities of building performant web applications by integrating SSR, SSG, routing, and backend APIs out of the box.

Benefits of Using Next.js

1. SEO-Friendly

Traditional single-page applications (SPAs) struggle with SEO, but Next.js solves this with server-side rendering and metadata handling.

2. Blazing Fast Performance

Automatic image optimization, code splitting, caching, and hybrid rendering contribute to exceptional performance.

3. Integrated Routing

Next.js uses a simple file‑based routing system, eliminating the need for external routers.

4. API Routes

You can build backend endpoints inside your React project without needing Node.js server files separately.

5. Scalability

Next.js powers some of the world's largest applications and integrates seamlessly with Vercel for unlimited scalability.

Prerequisites Before Starting a Next.js Project

Before you begin, make sure you have the following installed:

• Node.js (LTS version recommended)
• npm, yarn, or pnpm
• Basic knowledge of React (not mandatory but very helpful)
• A code editor like VS Code

To verify installation:

node -v
npm -v

Step 1: Create a New Next.js Project

Next.js provides multiple ways to create a new project. The most recommended method is using the official command:

npx create-next-app@latest

You can also use:

yarn create next-app

or

pnpm create next-app

During setup, Next.js will ask:

• Project name
• TypeScript support (recommended)
• ESLint setup
• Tailwind CSS (optional but widely used)
• App Router or Pages Router (App Router is default and recommended)
• Experimental features

Example setup:

✔ Would you like to use TypeScript? › Yes
✔ Would you like to use ESLint? › Yes
✔ Would you like to use Tailwind CSS? › Yes
✔ Would you like to use the `/src` directory? › Yes
✔ Would you like to use App Router? › Yes

Once complete, go into the project:

cd my-next-project
npm run dev

Then visit:

http://localhost:3000

Step 2: Understanding the Next.js Project Structure

A typical Next.js 14+ project includes:

my-next-project/
  |— app/
  |   |— layout.js
  |   |— page.js
  |   |— globals.css
  |— public/
  |— styles/
  |— next.config.js
  |— package.json
  |— node_modules/

Key Folders Explained

app/

The new App Router uses this folder for routing, layouts, nested routes, and server components.

public/

Static assets such as images, icons, and files.

next.config.js

Main configuration file for customizing the build or adding features like image domains.

styles/

Holds CSS modules or global CSS files.

Step 3: Creating Your First Page in Next.js

With the App Router, app/page.js is the default home page.

Example:

export default function Home() {
  return (
    <main>
      <h1>Welcome to My Next.js Project</h1>
    </main>
  );
}

To create more pages:

1. Create a new folder inside app/
2. Add a page.js file inside that folder

Example:

app/about/page.js

export default function AboutPage() {
  return (
    <main>
      <h1>About Us</h1>
    </main>
  );
}

Step 4: Adding Styling to Your Next.js Project

Next.js supports several styling approaches:

1. Global CSS

Use app/globals.css for project-wide styles.

2. CSS Modules

Scoped styling:

import styles from "./Home.module.css";

3. Tailwind CSS

If you selected Tailwind during setup, it's ready to use immediately:

<h1 className="text-3xl font-bold text-blue-600">Hello</h1>

4. Styled Components

Install:

npm install styled-components

Step 5: Using the Next.js Image Component

Next.js includes a highly optimized <Image /> component:

import Image from 'next/image';

<Image src="/hero.png" width={500} height={300} alt="Hero" />

Benefits:

• Lazy loading
• Automatic resizing
• Built-in CDN optimization (when deployed on Vercel)

Step 6: Fetching Data in Next.js

Next.js supports:

1. Server-side Rendering (SSR)

export async function getServerSideProps() {
  return {
    props: { message: "Hello from SSR" }
  };
}

2. Static Site Generation (SSG)

export async function getStaticProps() {
  return {
    props: { message: "Static message" }
  };
}

3. Route Handlers (API Routes)

export async function GET() {
  return Response.json({ status: "success" });
}

Step 7: Creating API Routes

In the App Router:

app/api/hello/route.js

export async function GET() {
  return Response.json({ message: "Hello from API!" });
}

Access at:

/api/hello

Step 8: Environment Variables

Create a .env.local file:

API_KEY=yourapikey
MONGO_URI=yourmongostring

Access in code:

process.env.API_KEY

Next.js automatically loads these securely.

Step 9: Optimization Best Practices

1. Use <Image /> for all images

2. Use <Link /> instead of <a>

3. Use server components for heavy logic

4. Use dynamic imports where possible

5. Cache external API results

Step 10: Installing Useful Next.js Libraries

- Axios (HTTP requests)

npm install axios

- Zustand or Redux (State management)

npm install zustand

- Prisma (Database ORM)

npm install prisma

- Next Auth (Authentication)

npm install next-auth

These tools help build full‑stack applications efficiently.

Step 11: Deploying Your Next.js Project

1. Deploy on Vercel (Most Recommended)

npm run build

Then:

vercel deploy

2. Deploy on Node Server

npm run build
npm start

3. Deploy on Docker

Create a Dockerfile and build the image.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

❌ Not using App Router

❌ Mixing Client and Server components incorrectly

❌ Using <img> instead of <Image />

❌ Forgetting to set environment variables

❌ Leaving unused files in app directory

Avoiding these will keep your project clean and efficient.

Conclusion

Starting a Next.js project is easier than ever thanks to its official toolkit, strong documentation, and developer‑friendly environment. From installation to routing, API creation, styling, and deployment, Next.js gives developers everything needed to create blazing‑fast and scalable applications.

Whether you're building a blog, SaaS platform, eCommerce store, or enterprise system, mastering the foundations of Next.js is a crucial first step.

If you ever need expert MERN Stack Development or full-scale Web Development services, make sure to hire AAMAX---a trusted digital marketing and development agency that delivers world-class solutions tailored to your business needs.