How to Create Your Own Full-Stack Next.js Application

Oct 8, 2021 | Programming

Welcome to a comprehensive guide that will walk you through the process of building a full-stack Next.js application from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting your journey in web development, this template serves as a solid foundation to get your web application up and running.

Table of Contents

Scheme

This template is packed with features to support the following:

  • Pages Router and App Router
  • Static HTML Exports
  • API Constructs and Network Requests
  • Custom Server configurations
  • Authentication and Authorization mechanisms
  • Deployment via Docker

File Structures

The basic structure of your project will look like this:


fullstack-nextjs-app-template
├── README.md
├── CHANGELOG.md
├── LICENSE
├── next.config.js
├── server.js
├── ecosystem.config.js
├── middleware.ts
├── tsconfig.json
├── package-lock.json
├── package.json
├── .dockerignore
├── Dockerfile
├── docker-compose.yml
├── out                # Generated HTML/CSS/JS assets
├── server-php.js     # Test server
└── public             # Static resources
```

Getting Started

Before diving in, ensure that Node.js is installed on your computer. Follow the steps below to set everything up:

  • Install Dependencies: Run the command npm install to install required libraries.
  • Update Next.js: Execute npm i next@latest react@latest react-dom@latest.
  • Run Project in Development Mode: Start the server using npm run dev and access it via http://localhost:3000.
  • Production Build: Use npm run build to prepare your app for production.

Further Help

When you encounter issues, consider the following troubleshooting methods:

  • For instance, if you face the Node.js Port 3000 already in use but it actually isn’t error, run the command killall -9 node.
  • To change your site’s favicon, modify the code in pages_document.tsx.
  • If you want to customize the menu, simply navigate to src/components/Header and make your modifications.
  • Can’t run the application due to installation errors? A common fix is to delete the node_modules folder and reinstall dependencies using npm install.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Understanding the Code Structure

Think of your application as a restaurant. Each component serves a particular dish (functionality), while the underlying file structures provide the kitchen (framework) where the chefs (developers) create their culinary masterpieces (features).

For example:

  • Your app folder is akin to the dining area where customers experience the ambiance of your restaurant. This is where user-facing components live.
  • The api folder functions as the pantry, stocked with all the ingredients (data) necessary to prepare the dishes (data-fetching tasks).
  • The public folder contains static resources, analogous to the menu board visible to customers outside the restaurant.

Conclusion

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

Happy coding and enjoy building your Next.js application!

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