Getting Started with Next.js 14
A practical guide to building modern web apps using the latest features in Next.js 14
Next.js 14 is here — and it’s packed with features that make building modern, full-stack web applications faster, easier, and more powerful than ever. Whether you're just getting started or leveling up an existing app, this guide will walk you through what's new and how to take full advantage of it.
What's New in Next.js 14
Server Components
Server Components are a game-changer. They let you render parts of your UI on the server — which means less JavaScript shipped to the browser and faster initial loads. Some benefits include:
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Lighter client-side bundles
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Improved performance and SEO
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Better developer experience with automatic code splitting
In short: more power, less boilerplate.
App Router
Next.js 14 introduces the App Router as the default way to structure routes. It’s file-based, easier to reason about, and built for scale. Here's what a basic setup might look like:
app/
├── page.tsx // Home page
├── layout.tsx // Shared layout
├── blog/
│ ├── page.tsx // Blog index
│ └── [slug]/
│ └── page.tsx // Dynamic blog posts
└── about/
└── page.tsx // About page
It brings built-in layouts, nested routing, and server-side streaming — all out of the box.
Server Actions
Server Actions let you run server-side logic directly from your components without setting up separate API routes. Here’s a quick example:
"use server";
async function submitForm(formData: FormData) {
const name = formData.get("name");
// Handle form data securely on the server
}
This keeps your code clean, colocated, and secure — and it just feels right.
Getting Started with Next.js 14
To spin up a new project with all the latest features, run:
npx create-next-app@latest my-app
Follow the prompts, choose the App Router setup, and you’ll be ready to build in no time.
Final Thoughts
Next.js 14 isn't just an upgrade — it's a leap forward. With Server Components, the App Router, and Server Actions, building performant, full-featured web apps has never been more intuitive.
Whether you're crafting a personal blog, a SaaS product, or a full-blown enterprise platform, Next.js 14 gives you the tools to build fast, modern, and scalable applications — with less effort.