Next.js 16 Complete Guide

Purpose

Comprehensive reference for Next.js 16's revolutionary features: Cache Components with "use cache", stable Turbopack as default bundler, proxy.ts architecture, DevTools MCP integration, and React Compiler support.

When to Use

• Starting new Next.js projects (use 16 from day one)
• Migrating from Next.js 15 to 16
• Understanding Cache Components and Partial Pre-Rendering (PPR)
• Configuring Turbopack for optimal performance
• Migrating middleware.ts to proxy.ts
• Leveraging AI-assisted debugging with DevTools MCP
• Setting up React Compiler for automatic memoization

What Changed: Next.js 15 → 16

The Big Picture

Next.js 15 was transition phase - async APIs, experimental Turbopack, changing cache defaults. Next.js 16 is the payoff - everything becomes stable, fast, and production-ready.