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Next.js Best Practices for LLMs (2025)

Last updated: July 2025

This document summarizes the latest, authoritative best practices for building, structuring, and maintaining Next.js applications. It is intended for use by LLMs and developers to ensure code quality, maintainability, and scalability.

1. Project Structure & Organization

• Use the app/ directory (App Router) for all new projects. Prefer it over the legacy pages/ directory.

• Top-level folders:

  • app/ — Routing, layouts, pages, and route handlers
  • public/ — Static assets (images, fonts, etc.)
  • lib/ — Shared utilities, API clients, and logic
  • components/ — Reusable UI components
  • contexts/ — React context providers
  • styles/ — Global and modular stylesheets
  • hooks/ — Custom React hooks
  • types/ — TypeScript type definitions

• Colocation: Place files (components, styles, tests) near where they are used, but avoid deeply nested structures.

• Route Groups: Use parentheses (e.g., (admin)) to group routes without affecting the URL path.

• Private Folders: Prefix with _ (e.g., _internal) to opt out of routing and signal implementation details.

• Feature Folders: For large apps, group by feature (e.g., app/dashboard/, app/auth/).

• Use src/ (optional): Place all source code in src/ to separate from config files.

2.1. Server and Client Component Integration (App Router)

Never use next/dynamic with { ssr: false } inside a Server Component. This is not supported and will cause a build/runtime error.

Correct Approach:

• If you need to use a Client Component (e.g., a component that uses hooks, browser APIs, or client-only libraries) inside a Server Component, you must:
  1. Move all client-only logic/UI into a dedicated Client Component (with 'use client' at the top).
  2. Import and use that Client Component directly in the Server Component (no need for next/dynamic).
  3. If you need to compose multiple client-only elements (e.g., a navbar with a profile dropdown), create a single Client Component that contains all of them.

Example:

// Server Component
import DashboardNavbar from "@/components/DashboardNavbar"

export default async function DashboardPage() {
  // ...server logic...
  return (
    <>
      <DashboardNavbar /> {/* This is a Client Component */}
      {/* ...rest of server-rendered page... */}
    </>
  )
}

Why:

• Server Components cannot use client-only features or dynamic imports with SSR disabled.
• Client Components can be rendered inside Server Components, but not the other way around.

Summary: Always move client-only UI into a Client Component and import it directly in your Server Component. Never use next/dynamic with { ssr: false } in a Server Component.

2. Component Best Practices

• Component Types:
  • Server Components (default): For data fetching, heavy logic, and non-interactive UI.
  • Client Components: Add 'use client' at the top. Use for interactivity, state, or browser APIs.
• When to Create a Component:
  • If a UI pattern is reused more than once.
  • If a section of a page is complex or self-contained.
  • If it improves readability or testability.
• Naming Conventions:
  • Use PascalCase for component files and exports (e.g., UserCard.tsx).
  • Use camelCase for hooks (e.g., useUser.ts).
  • Use snake_case or kebab-case for static assets (e.g., logo_dark.svg).
  • Name context providers as XyzProvider (e.g., ThemeProvider).
• File Naming:
  • Match the component name to the file name.
  • For single-export files, default export the component.
  • For multiple related components, use an index.ts barrel file.
• Component Location:
  • Place shared components in components/.
  • Place route-specific components inside the relevant route folder.
• Props:
  • Use TypeScript interfaces for props.
  • Prefer explicit prop types and default values.
• Testing:
  • Co-locate tests with components (e.g., UserCard.test.tsx).

3. Naming Conventions (General)

• Folders: kebab-case (e.g., user-profile/)
• Files: PascalCase for components, camelCase for utilities/hooks, kebab-case for static assets
• Variables/Functions: camelCase
• Types/Interfaces: PascalCase
• Constants: UPPER_SNAKE_CASE

4. API Routes (Route Handlers)

• Prefer API Routes over Edge Functions unless you need ultra-low latency or geographic distribution.
• Location: Place API routes in app/api/ (e.g., app/api/users/route.ts).
• HTTP Methods: Export async functions named after HTTP verbs (GET, POST, etc.).
• Request/Response: Use the Web Request and Response APIs. Use NextRequest/NextResponse for advanced features.
• Dynamic Segments: Use [param] for dynamic API routes (e.g., app/api/users/[id]/route.ts).
• Validation: Always validate and sanitize input. Use libraries like zod or yup.
• Error Handling: Return appropriate HTTP status codes and error messages.
• Authentication: Protect sensitive routes using middleware or server-side session checks.

5. General Best Practices

• TypeScript: Use TypeScript for all code. Enable strict mode in tsconfig.json.
• ESLint & Prettier: Enforce code style and linting. Use the official Next.js ESLint config.
• Environment Variables: Store secrets in .env.local. Never commit secrets to version control.
• Testing: Use Jest, React Testing Library, or Playwright. Write tests for all critical logic and components.
• Accessibility: Use semantic HTML and ARIA attributes. Test with screen readers.
• Performance:
  • Use built-in Image and Font optimization.
  • Use Suspense and loading states for async data.
  • Avoid large client bundles; keep most logic in Server Components.
• Security:
  • Sanitize all user input.
  • Use HTTPS in production.
  • Set secure HTTP headers.
• Documentation:
  • Write clear README and code comments.
  • Document public APIs and components.

Avoid Unnecessary Example Files

Do not create example/demo files (like ModalExample.tsx) in the main codebase unless the user specifically requests a live example, Storybook story, or explicit documentation component. Keep the repository clean and production-focused by default.

Always use the latest documentation and guides

• For every nextjs related request, begin by searching for the most current nextjs documentation, guides, and examples.
• Use the following tools to fetch and search documentation if they are available:
  • resolve_library_id to resolve the package/library name in the docs.
  • get_library_docs for up to date documentation.