Next.js 15 has arrived, bringing with it a host of new features and improvements that make it a strong contender in the web development world. This article covers its standout features, a step-by-step installation guide, and a comparison with the popular MERN stack.
Installation
To get started with Next.js 15, follow these steps:
npx create-next-app@latest my-next-app --use-npm
cd my-next-app
npm run devNew Features in Next.js 15
Server Actions
- Simplify server-side operations without custom API routes.
- Easily fetch data from the server with fewer lines of code.
Turbo Pack
- A blazing-fast bundler and compiler, replacing Webpack for enhanced performance.
Enhanced Middleware
- Improved middleware with simplified API and better performance.
React 19 Support
- Full integration with React 18, including streaming server rendering.
File-Based API Routes
- Simplified API development with file-based routing, similar to pages.
Built-in Analytics
- Out-of-the-box support for analytics with minimal setup.
Improved TypeScript Support
- TypeScript support out of the box with better type-checking during development.
Dynamic Route Handlers
- Route handlers for fine-grained control over dynamic API routes.
Edge Runtime
- Run parts of your app closer to the user with edge functions for lower latency.
Server Components
- Fully utilize server-side React components for improved performance.
Customizable Middleware Caching
- Control caching behavior at the middleware level for better optimization.
Zero-Config Setup
- No additional configuration required for common scenarios.
Built-in CSS-in-JS
- Seamlessly use CSS-in-JS without additional libraries.
AI-Assisted Development (Beta)
- Tools to integrate AI-powered features and chatbots into your Next.js applications.