Getting Started with Next.js 14: App Router Deep Dive

Next.js 14 introduces significant improvements to the App Router, making it more powerful and developer-friendly than ever before.

What's New in Next.js 14

The latest version brings several exciting features:

• Turbopack: Faster local development with Rust-based bundler
• Server Actions: Simplified server-side mutations
• Partial Prerendering: Combine static and dynamic content seamlessly

Setting Up Your First App Router Project

bash
npx create-next-app@latest my-app --typescript --tailwind --eslint --app
cd my-app
npm run dev

Understanding Server Components

Server Components run on the server and can directly access your database:

tsx
// app/posts/page.tsx
async function PostsPage() {
  const posts = await fetch('https://api.example.com/posts')
  const data = await posts.json()
  
  return (
    <div>
      {data.map(post => (
        <article key={post.id}>
          <h2>{post.title}</h2>
          <p>{post.excerpt}</p>
        </article>
      ))}
    </div>
  )
}

export default PostsPage

Best Practices

1. Use Server Components by default - Only use Client Components when you need interactivity
2. Leverage streaming - Use loading.tsx files for better UX
3. Optimize images - Always use Next.js Image component

Remember: Server Components can't use hooks or browser-only APIs. Use the "use client" directive when you need client-side functionality.

Conclusion

Next.js 14 App Router provides a solid foundation for building modern web applications. The combination of Server Components, streaming, and improved developer experience makes it an excellent choice for your next project.