Serverless React with Next.js: A Beginner's Guide

Majd Muhtaseb05/02/20258 minutes

Serverless React with Next.js: A Beginner's Guide

Introduction

Next.js simplifies building server-rendered and statically generated React applications. Coupled with serverless functions, it offers a scalable and cost-effective solution. This guide walks you through creating and deploying a basic serverless React app.

What is Serverless?

Serverless computing allows you to run backend code without managing servers. Providers like Vercel and Netlify handle infrastructure, scaling, and maintenance. You pay only for the resources consumed during execution.

Setting Up Your Next.js Project

First, create a new Next.js project:

npx create-next-app@latest my-serverless-app
cd my-serverless-app

Creating a Simple Page

Replace the content of pages/index.js with the following:

function HomePage() {
  return (
    <div>
      <h1>Welcome to my Serverless React App!</h1>
      <p>This is a simple Next.js page deployed as a serverless function.</p>
    </div>
  );
}

export default HomePage;

Adding an API Route

Next.js allows you to create API routes within the pages/api directory. Create a file named pages/api/hello.js:

export default function handler(req, res) {
  res.status(200).json({ name: 'John Doe' })
}

This API route returns a JSON response. You can access it by navigating to /api/hello in your browser.

Deploying to Vercel

Vercel is a popular platform for deploying Next.js applications. It automatically detects your Next.js project and configures the necessary serverless functions.

Create a Vercel account: Sign up at vercel.com.
Install the Vercel CLI:
```
npm install -g vercel
```
Deploy your app: Run the following command in your project directory:
```
vercel
```

Vercel will guide you through the deployment process. Your app will be live on a unique Vercel URL.

Deploying to Netlify

Netlify is another excellent platform for serverless deployments.

Create a Netlify account: Sign up at netlify.com.
Install the Netlify CLI:
```
npm install -g netlify-cli
```
Build your project:
```
npm run build
```
Deploy your app:
```
netlify deploy --prod
```

Netlify will also guide you through the process. You'll need to specify the dist or out directory (depending on your Next.js configuration) as the publish directory.

Conclusion

This tutorial provides a basic overview of building and deploying a serverless React application with Next.js. Explore further by adding dynamic routes, connecting to databases, and implementing authentication. Serverless architecture offers a flexible and scalable solution for modern web development.