Next.js Best Practices (App Router)

Next.js is a library that changes frequently - use web search or context7 MCP (via DocsExplorer agent) for exploring the current documentation.

Routing & Structure

• Use the App Router in app/ for new work
• Use nested layouts and route groups to organize sections
• Keep server components as the default; add 'use client' only where needed

Data Fetching & Caching

• Fetch data in React Server Components - AVOID fetching via useEffect() and fetch()
• Use server actions ("Server Functions") for mutations, potentially in conjunction with React Hooks like useActionState

UI States

• Provide loading.tsx and error.tsx for route-level UX
• Use Suspense boundaries around async UI

Metadata & SEO

• Use the Metadata API in layouts and pages
• Prefer static metadata when possible; keep dynamic metadata minimal