Next.js: Environment Setup and Basics (Step 1)
Target Version: Next.js 14 / 15+ (App Router) Official Documentation: Next.js Documentation
1. Introduction to Next.js
Next.js is a React-based full-stack framework created by Vercel. It provides a file-system-based routing system and powerful rendering strategies (SSR, SSG, ISR).
- App Router: The core of the latest Next.js versions, providing a new routing system.
- Server Components: High-performance components that are pre-rendered on the server before being sent to the client.
2. Starting a Project (npx)
The most recommended way to start a project is by using create-next-app.
npx create-next-app@latest my-next-site
Installation Options (Recommended):
- TypeScript: Yes (for stability)
- ESLint: Yes
- Tailwind CSS: Yes (for maximum styling productivity)
- App Router: Yes (the modern standard)
3. Understanding the Folder Structure
app/: The core folder where all routes (pages) and layouts are located.public/: Where static images and assets are stored.next.config.js: The configuration file for the framework.
4. Creating Your First Page (page.tsx)
The app/page.tsx file handles the root path (/).
export default function Home() {
return (
<main>
<h1>Welcome to the world of Next.js!</h1>
<p>Build high-performance apps using the App Router.</p>
</main>
);
}