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Getting Started with Next.js 16: A Complete Guide
December 26, 2025

Getting Started with Next.js 16: A Complete Guide

Learn how to build modern web applications with Next.js 16. We'll cover the App Router, Server Components, and best practices for 2024.

Why Next.js?



Next.js has become the go-to framework for React developers. It provides everything you need to build fast, SEO-friendly web applications out of the box.

Key Features



Server Components - Render components on the server for better performance and smaller bundle sizes.

App Router - The new routing system makes it easier to create layouts, handle loading states, and manage errors.

Built-in Optimization - Automatic image optimization, font loading, and script management.

Setting Up Your First Project



Getting started is simple. Run this command in your terminal:

npx create-next-app@latest my-app

This will create a new Next.js project with TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, and ESLint configured.

Project Structure



The App Router uses a file-based routing system:

- [app/page.tsx](cci:7://file:///Users/ahmedramadan/Desktop/portofolio/src/app/page.tsx:0:0-0:0) - Your home page
- app/about/page.tsx - The about page
- app/blog/[slug]/page.tsx - Dynamic blog post pages

Server vs Client Components



By default, all components in Next.js 16 are Server Components. Use the "use client" directive when you need interactivity:

Server Components are great for:
- Fetching data
- Accessing backend resources
- Keeping sensitive data secure

Client Components are great for:
- Using React hooks
- Browser-only APIs
- Interactive UI elements

Best Practices



1. Use Server Components by default - Only switch to Client Components when necessary.

2. Colocate related files - Keep components, styles, and tests together.

3. Leverage caching - Next.js caches data fetching by default.

4. Optimize images - Always use the next/image component.

Conclusion



Next.js 16 is a powerful framework that makes building modern web applications a joy. Start with the basics, follow best practices, and you'll be building production-ready apps in no time!

Happy coding!