Getting Started with Next.js: A Beginner's Guide for 2026

Next.js is a powerful React framework for building server-side rendered and static websites. In this guide, we'll walk through the process of setting up a new Next.js project and exploring its main features.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have Node.js (version 14.x or later) installed on your machine. You can download it from the official Node.js website.

Installation

To get started, you can create a new Next.js app using the following command:

npx create-next-app@latest

This command will bootstrap a new Next.js project with all the necessary files and dependencies.

File Structure

Next.js has a file-system based router. Any file inside the pages directory will be treated as a route. For example, pages/about.js will map to the /about route.

Creating Your First Page

Let's create a simple "Hello, World!" page. Create a new file called hello.js in the pages directory with the following content:

export default function Hello() {
  return 
Hello, World!
;
}
        

Now, run the development server:

npm run dev

Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:3000/hello. You should see the "Hello, World!" message.

Once you are done building your application, you can learn how to deploy it on Firebase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between Next.js and React?

React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces, while Next.js is a framework built on top of React. Next.js provides additional features and conventions that make it easier to build server-rendered and static websites, such as file-system based routing, server-side rendering, and API routes.

Is Next.js good for SEO?

Yes, Next.js is excellent for SEO. Its server-side rendering capabilities allow search engines to easily crawl and index your website's content, which can lead to better search engine rankings.

Can I use Next.js with other libraries and frameworks?

Yes, Next.js is highly extensible and can be used with a wide range of other libraries and frameworks, such as Redux, GraphQL, and Material-UI.