Next.js is one of the most powerful React-based frameworks for building modern, fast, and SEO-friendly web applications. It offers a range of features such as server-side rendering (SSR), static site generation (SSG), dynamic routing, and API routes, making it ideal for developers looking to build scalable and performant websites.
In this article, we’ve compiled the Top 50+ Next.js Interview Questions and Answers 2025, covering both essential and advanced Next.js concepts. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer with 2-5 years of hands-on experience, these questions will help you confidently prepare for your Next.js-related interviews.
Next.js Interview Questions - Beginners 1. What is Next.js?Next.js is an open-source web development React-based framework created by Vercel, which is famous for its unique features such as Server-side rendering and enhanced SEO. It has some additional features such as data fetching utilities, dynamic API routes, optimized builds, etc. It is a framework built upon React, Webpack, and Babel.
2. How Next is different from other JavaScript frameworks?Next.js is a JavaScript framework that is primarily designed for building React applications. Here are some key ways in which Next.js differs from other JavaScript frameworks:
next/image
component provides built-in support for image optimization, handling tasks like lazy loading and responsive images without the need for additional configuration.Below is the step by step process of installing the Next.js:
Steps to Install the Next.js:
Step 1: Node JS should be already installed in the system.
Step 2: Now create the Next.js app using the below command:
npx create-next-app myapp
Step 3: Now switch to the project directory:
cd myapp
Step 4: Next.js app is initialized by updating the package.json:
4. Write a Hello World Program in Next.js?{
“scripts”: {
“dev”: “next”,
“build”: “next build”,
“start”: “next start”
}
}
In Next.js, creating a "Hello World" program involves setting up a simple React component within a file in the app
directory. Here's a basic example:
// page.js
import React from 'react';
const HomePage = () => {
return (
<div>
<h1>Hello, Next.js!</h1>
</div>
);
};
export default HomePage;
5. Mention some features of Next.js.
Next.js is a powerful React framework that offers various features to simplify and enhance the development of web applications. Here are some key features of Next.js:
SSR stands for Server-Side Rendering. It's a technique used in web development where the server processes the React or other JavaScript framework code and generates the HTML on the server side, sending the fully rendered HTML to the client's browser.
Here's a brief overview of the SSR process:
Next.js is a popular React framework that brings several benefits to web development. Here are some of the key advantages of using Next.js:
DOM stands for Document Object Model. It is a programming interface for web documents. The DOM represents the structure of a document as a tree of objects, where each object corresponds to a part of the document, such as elements, attributes, and text.
Here are some key points about the Document Object Model:
Next.js uses a client-side navigation approach that leverages the HTML5 History API. This enables smooth transitions between pages on the client side without a full page reload. The framework provides a built-in Link
component that facilitates client-side navigation, and it supports both traditional anchor (<a>
) tags and programmatically navigating through the next/router
module.
Here's an overview of how Next.js handles client-side navigation:
Link Component:
Link
component is a core part of client-side navigation in Next.js. It is used to create links between pages in your application.Link
component, when users click the link, Next.js intercepts the navigation event and fetches the necessary resources for the new page without triggering a full page reload.
import Link from 'next/link';
const MyComponent = () => (
<Link href="/another-page">
<a>Go to another page</a>
</Link>
);
Programmatic Navigation:
Link
component, Next.js provides a useRouter
hook and a router
object to allow for programmatic navigation. This is useful when you want to navigate based on user interactions or in response to certain events.
import { useRouter }
from 'next/router';
const MyComponent = () => {
const router = useRouter();
const handleClick = () => {
router.push('/another-page');
};
return (
<button onClick={handleClick}>
Go to another page
</button>
);
};
10. Explain the concept of dynamic routing in Next.js:
Dynamic routing in Next.js refers to the ability to create routes for pages with dynamic parameters, allowing you to build pages that can handle different data or content based on the values of these parameters. Instead of creating a separate page for each variation, you can use a single page template and dynamically generate content based on the provided parameters.
11. What is meant by Styled JSX in Next.js?We employ the Styled JSX CSS-in-JS library to create encapsulated and scoped styles for styling Next.js components. This ensures that the styles introduced to a component have no impact on other components, enabling seamless addition, modification, and removal of styles without affecting unrelated parts of the application.
12. Is Next.js backend, frontend, or full-stack?Next.js is considered a full-stack framework, offering the capability to render content on both the client-side and server-side. This feature is particularly valuable in the context of React, as React by itself primarily focuses on frontend development without built-in server-side rendering capabilities.
13. Difference between the pre-rendering types available in Next.js.Static Generation (SG)
Server-Side Rendering (SSR)
Generation Timing
HTML is generated at build time.
HTML is generated on each request.
Reuse of HTML
The pre-generated HTML can be reused on every request.
HTML is generated anew for each request.
Recommendation
Recommended for performance and efficiency.
Suitable for cases where content changes frequently or cannot be determined at build time.
Export Methods:
Export the page component or use 'getStaticProps'
Export 'getServerSideProps'
Build Time Dependency:
Less dependent on server resources during runtime.
Depends on server resources for generating content dynamically.
Performance
Typically faster as HTML is pre-generated.
Can introduce higher server load due to on-the-fly HTML generation.
Caching
Easily cache static HTML.
Requires server-side caching mechanisms.
Scalability
Scales well as static content can be served efficiently.
May require additional server resources to handle dynamic content generation.
14. What is client-side rendering, and how does it differ from server-side rendering?Client-side rendering (CSR) involves rendering a web page on the client's browser through JavaScript after the initial delivery of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript from the server. The primary distinction between SSR and CSR lies in the fact that SSR transmits a completely rendered HTML page to the client's browser, whereas CSR delivers an initially empty HTML page that is then populated using JavaScript.
15. How do you pass data between pages in a Next.js application?Next.js provides several ways to pass data between pages in a Next.js application, including URL query parameters, the Router
API, and state management libraries like Redux or React Context. You can also use the getServerSideProps
function to fetch data on the server and pass it as props to the page component.
getServerSideProps
& getStaticProps
functions in Next.js?
getServerSideProps
getStaticProps
Timing of Execution
Executes on every request.
Executes at build time.
Server-Side vs. Static Generation
Used for server-side rendering (SSR).
Used for static site generation (SSG).
Dynamic vs. Static Content
Suitable for pages with frequently changing or dynamic content.
Ideal for pages with relatively static content that can be determined at build time.
Dependency on External Data
Fetches data on every request, allowing for real-time updates.
Fetches data at build time, so the data is static until the next build.
Use of context
Object
Receives a context
object containing information about the request.
Also receives a context
object, but primarily used for dynamic parameters.
Error Handling
Handles errors during each request.
Errors during data fetching result in a build-time error.
Return Object Structure:
Returns an object with a props
key.
Returns an object with a props
key, but may also include a revalidate
key for incremental static regeneration.
Performance Considerations
Tends to be slower due to on-the-fly data fetching on each request.
Generally faster as data is fetched at build time, reducing server load.
17. What is the purpose of thegetStaticPaths
function in Next.js?
The `getStaticPaths` function is employed to create dynamic paths for pages that involve dynamic data. This function is invoked during the build process, allowing the generation of a list of potential values for the dynamic data. The data produced by `getStaticPaths` is subsequently utilized to produce static files for each conceivable value.
18. What is the purpose of theuseEffect
hook in React, and how does it relate to Next.js?
The useEffect
hook is used to perform side effects in a functional component, such as fetching data from an API or updating the document title. In Next.js, the useEffect
hook can be used to perform client-side data fetching using the fetch
API or third-party libraries like Axios or SWR.
In general, code splitting stands out as one of the most compelling features provided by webpack. This functionality allows us to divide our code into multiple bundles, which can be loaded either on-demand or in parallel. Its primary purpose is to create smaller bundles and enables us to manage the prioritization of resource loading, ultimately contributing significantly to improved load times.
There are mainly three approaches to code splitting:
Its primary purpose is to facilitate the creation of pages that never load unnecessary code.
20. How do you handle data fetching in Next.js?In Next.js, data retrieval from an external API or database can be achieved using the built-in functions, namely, `getStaticProps` or `getServerSideProps`. The `getStaticProps` function fetches data during the build process and provides it as props to the page, whereas `getServerSideProps` fetches data for each incoming request. Alternatively, client-side data fetching libraries such as `axios` or `fetch` can also be employed in conjunction with the `useEffect` or `useState` hooks.
21. What are the different options for styling Next.js apps?Various styling options are available for Next.js applications, ranging from CSS modules and CSS-in-JS libraries like styled-components or emotion to the use of global CSS files.
When selecting a styling approach for Next.js applications, it is crucial to take into account factors such as performance, maintainability, and the familiarity of developers with the chosen method.
22. How do you work with custom server middleware in Next.js?In Next.js, incorporating custom server middleware involves creating a Node.js server. The `use` method of the server object allows the addition of middleware. This can be implemented in the `server.js` file situated in the root directory of the Next.js application. Middleware functions are added using the `app.use` method, providing the capability to modify both incoming requests and outgoing responses.
23. Explain the purpose of the_app.js
file in Next JS.
The `_app.js` file serves as the pivotal component for the entire Next.js application. It provides the flexibility to override the default App component supplied by Next.js, enabling customization of the application's behavior across all pages. Typically utilized for tasks such as incorporating global styles, persisting layout components, or initializing third-party libraries.
24. How would you implement server-side rendering (SSR) for a Next JS page? JavaScript
import React from 'react';
const PageAbout =
({ dataFromServer }) => {
return <div>
{dataFromServer}
</div>;
};
export async function getServerSideProps() {
const dataFromServer = 'Server-rendered data for this page';
return {
props: {
dataFromServer,
},
};
}
export default PageAbout;
25. Explain the concept of "Serverless" deployment in the context of Next JS. How does it work, and what are the advantages?
Deploying your Next.js application serverlessly involves hosting it on platforms such as Vercel or Netlify. In this setup, there's no need to manage traditional server infrastructure. These platforms handle server-side rendering, routing, and other aspects automatically, providing advantages such as effortless scaling, cost efficiency, and streamlined deployment.
26. What are some best practices for debugging and testing Next JS applications?Debugging Next.js applications can be done using browser developer tools, the built-in console API, and third-party debugging tools. For testing, you can use libraries like Jest and React Testing Library to write unit and integration tests. Additionally, use linting tools and the built-in TypeScript or ESLint support to catch code issues early.
27. Why use Create Next App?create-next-app allows you to swiftly initiate a new Next.js application. Officially maintained by the creators of Next.js, it offers several advantages:
The Next.js Image component, next/image
, represents a modern evolution of the HTML <img>
element with built-in performance enhancements tailored for the contemporary web.
Next.js is equipped with native support for managing environment variables, providing the following capabilities:
Next.js is deployable on hosting providers that offer support for Docker containers. This approach is applicable when deploying to container orchestrators like Kubernetes or HashiCorp Nomad, or when operating within a single node on any cloud provider.
To implement this deployment method:
docker build -t Next.js-docker.
docker run -p 3000:3000 Next.js-docker
Features
Next.js
React
Developer
The Next.js framework was developed by Vercel.
The React front-end library was originated by Facebook.
Definition
Next.js, an open-source framework based on Node.js and Babel, seamlessly integrates with React to facilitate the development of single-page apps.
React, a JavaScript library, empowers the construction of user interfaces through the assembly of components.
Rendering
Supports SSR and Static Site Generation (SSG)
Primarily client-side rendering (CSR)
Performance Optimizations
Built-in features like Image Optimization, SSR, and automatic static optimization
No out-of-the-box performance optimizations
SEO and Speed
Enhanced by SSR and SSG for better SEO and faster load times
Requires extra configuration for SEO optimization
Next.js Interview Questions - Advanced 32. How can the data be fetched in Next.js?We can use multiple methods for fetching data, such as:
getServerSideProps
.getStaticProps
for static-site rendering, ensuring content generation at build time.getStaticProps
.In Next.js, prefetching is a mechanism wherein the framework autonomously initiates the download of JavaScript and assets for linked pages in the background. This proactive approach minimizes navigation time, enhancing the overall user experience with a smoother and faster transition between pages.
34. Can you explain how to internationalize a Next.js application to support multiple languages?Next.js facilitates internationalization (i18n) through the adoption of libraries such as next-i18next or by developing custom solutions. This process encompasses tasks like translating text and content, managing language-based routing, and implementing a mechanism that allows users to seamlessly switch between languages. Ensuring effective i18n is crucial for ensuring your application is accessible to a diverse global audience.
35. How can you handle cross-origin requests (CORS) in a Next.js application when making API requests to a different domain?To enable CORS, configure the server or API endpoint receiving your requests. CORS headers may need to be established to permit requests from the domain of your Next.js application. Another option is utilizing serverless functions as proxy endpoints to manage CORS headers effectively.
36. What is serverless architecture, and how does it relate to Next.js?Serverless architecture is a cloud computing paradigm where the cloud provider takes care of managing the infrastructure, scaling resources automatically based on demand. To leverage serverless architecture with Next.js, one can deploy the application onto serverless platforms such as AWS Lambda or Google Cloud Functions. This approach allows for efficient resource utilization and automatic scaling in response to varying workloads.
37. How do you optimize the performance of a Next.js application?Optimizing the performance of a Next.js application involves various strategies such as code splitting, lazy loading, image optimization, server-side caching, and CDN caching. Additionally, leveraging performance monitoring tools like Lighthouse or WebPageTest can help pinpoint areas that require improvement.
38. Explain the purpose of thegetServerSideProps
function.
The getServerSideProps
function in Next.js plays a crucial role in achieving server-side rendering (SSR) for dynamic pages. When a user requests a page, this function runs on the server and fetches data dynamically, allowing the page to be pre-rendered with the most up-to-date information.
This function is particularly useful for content that frequently changes or relies on data from external sources. By fetching data on the server side during each request, getServerSideProps
ensures that the content is always fresh, providing a real-time experience to users.
The excludes
property in the next.config.js
file is used to specify patterns for files and directories that should be excluded from the automatic code splitting and bundling performed by Next.js. By defining exclusion patterns, developers can control which files are not subject to the default behavior of code splitting.
Here's an example of how the excludes
property can be used in next.config.js
:
// next.config.js
module.exports = {
excludes: ['/path/to/excluded/file.js', /\/node_modules\//],
// other configurations...
}
The headers
property in the next.config.js
file is used to define custom HTTP headers that should be included in the responses served by your Next.js application. This property allows developers to set various HTTP headers, such as caching policies, security-related headers, and other custom headers, to control how browsers and clients interact with the application.
Here's an example of how the headers
property can be used:
// next.config.js
module.exports = {
async headers() {
return [
{
source: '/path/:slug',
headers: [
{
key: 'Custom-Header',
value: 'Custom-Header-Value',
},
{
key: 'Cache-Control',
value: 'public, max-age=3600',
},
],
},
]
},
// other configurations...
}
41. What is the purpose of the next.config.js experimental property?
The experimental
property in next.config.js
serves two main purposes in Next.js:
1. Accessing and enabling pre-release features:
experimental
property provides a safe space to access and experiment with these features before they become stable and widely available.experimental
property to activate these pre-release features in your app. This allows you to test them out, provide feedback, and shape their development before public release.2. Fine-tuning advanced capabilities:
experimental
property also offers access to specific configurations aimed at experienced developers who want to further customize and optimize their Next.js applications.The redirects
property empowers you to establish server-side redirects for incoming requests within your Next.js application. This means you can seamlessly guide users and search engines to different URLs without relying on client-side routing or additional server-side logic.
Key Features:
module.exports = {
async redirects() {
return [
{
source: '/old-page',
destination: '/new-page',
permanent: true,
},
];
},
};
43. What is the purpose of the next.config.js rewrites property?
The rewrites
property offers a powerful mechanism for rewriting incoming request paths to different destination paths within your Next.js application.
Here's an explanation of the rewrites
property in next.config.js
:
Purpose:
rewrites
property offers a powerful mechanism for rewriting incoming request paths to different destination paths within your Next.js application.Key Features:
module.exports = {
async rewrites() {
return [
{
source: '/blog/:slug',
destination: '/posts/:slug',
},
];
},
};
44. How can you achieve dynamic route-based code splitting without using getServerSideProps
in Next.js?
Here are two effective ways to achieve dynamic route-based code splitting in Next.js without relying on getServerSideProps
:
next/dynamic
:
next/dynamic
to wrap components that you want to load lazily based on route parameters or other conditions.
import dynamic from 'next/dynamic';
const BlogPost = dynamic(() => import('../components/BlogPost'), {
loading: () => <p>Loading post...</p>,
});
function BlogPage({ postId }) {
// ...fetch post data...
return <BlogPost post={postData} />;
}
export default BlogPage;
2. Client-Side Rendering (CSR) with Router:
router
object within a client-side rendered component to handle navigation and dynamic route loading.
import { useRouter } from 'next/router';
function BlogPage() {
const router = useRouter();
const { postId } = router.query;
// ...fetch post data based on postId...
return <div>...</div>;
}
export default BlogPage;
45. Describe scenarios where you would choose to use getStaticProps
over getServerSideProps
, and vice versa.
Choosing between getStaticProps
and getServerSideProps
depends on several factors in your Next.js application. Here's a breakdown of scenarios where each method shines:
getStaticProps
when:
getStaticProps
delivers lightning-fast performance and optimal SEO, as search engines can readily crawl and index the content.getServerSideProps
when:
getServerSideProps
to fetch data and pre-render pages at request time when content changes frequently, like news articles, stock prices, or personalized user data.getServerSideProps
allows fetching and integrating data directly into page responses during server-side rendering.next export
command. When would you use it, and what are its limitations?
As of Next.js version 12.2, the next export
command has been deprecated and removed in favour of configuring static exports within the next.config.js
file. However, understanding its previous purpose and limitations can still be relevant for older projects or migrating to the new approach.
next export
used to generate a static version of your Next.js application, meaning all pages and their corresponding HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files were pre-rendered and saved to a static folder (/out
).With the next export
command gone, static site generation is now configured within the next.config.js
file through the output: export
option. This option offers more flexibility and control over static exports, allowing you to fine-tune which pages or routes to pre-render and define custom configurations.
Remember, static exports are ideal for primarily static websites where performance and SEO are crucial. But for applications with significant dynamic content or server-side logic, server-side rendering might be a better choice. Weighing your specific needs and priorities will help you determine the best approach for your Next.js application.
47. What is the significance of the_error.js
and 404.js
files in the pages
directory, and how can they be customized for error handling in Next.js?
Here's an explanation of the _error.js
and 404.js
files in Next.js, along with how to customize them for effective error handling:
Purpose:
pages
directory that Next.js automatically invokes when errors arise.Customization:
_error.js
file to render a user-friendly error page instead of the default stack trace.statusCode
: The HTTP status code of the error.error
: The error object itself.Example: Below is the code example of the _error.js.
JavaScript
import React from 'react';
export default
function Error({ statusCode }) {
return (
<div>
<h1>Something went wrong!</h1>
<p>
We're working on it.
Please try again later.
</p>
{statusCode !== 404 && (
<p>Status Code: {statusCode}</p>
)}
</div>
);
}
404.js:
Purpose:
Customization:
404.js
file to render a more informative or visually appealing 404 page.Example: Below is the code example of the 404.js:
JavaScript
import React from 'react';
export default
function NotFound() {
return (
<div>
<h1>Page Not Found</h1>
<p>
Sorry, the page you're
looking for doesn't exist.
</p>
<p>
Try searching for what you need,
or go back to the
<a href="/">homepage</a>.
</p>
</div>
);
}
48. How can you implement conditional redirects in Next.js based on certain criteria, such as user authentication status or role?
Here are several methods to implement conditional redirects in Next.js based on criteria like authentication status or user roles:
Here are several methods to implement conditional redirects in Next.js based on criteria like authentication status or user roles:
1. Redirects ingetServerSideProps
or getStaticProps
:
res.writeHead()
and res.end()
:
export async function getServerSideProps(context) {
const isAuthenticated =
await checkAuth(context.req);
if (
!isAuthenticated &&
context.resolvedUrl !== '/login'
){
context.res
.writeHead(302, { Location: '/login' });
context.res.end();
return { props: {} };
}
// ...fetch data for authenticated users...
}
2. Client-Side Redirects with useEffect
and router.push
:
import { useEffect } from 'react';
import { useRouter } from 'next/router';
function MyPage() {
const router = useRouter();
useEffect(
() => {
const isAuthenticated = checkAuth();
if (!isAuthenticated) {
router.push('/login');
}
}, []);
// ...page content...
}
49. Explain the purpose of the publicRuntimeConfig
and serverRuntimeConfig
options in Next.js. How do they differ from regular environment variables?
Next.js provides two distinct options for configuring your application: publicRuntimeConfig
and serverRuntimeConfig
. They differ from regular environment variables in terms of accessibility and security. Let's explore each option:
1. publicRuntimeConfig:
2. serverRuntimeConfig:
3. Differences from Environment Variables:
publicRuntimeConfig
: Offers controlled client-side access without needing environment variables.Here's how to implement custom error boundaries in Next.js to gracefully handle errors and enhance application resilience:
1. Create a Custom Error Boundary Component:
React.Component
class.static getDerivedStateFromError(error)
lifecycle method to capture errors and update the component's state.render()
method when errors occur, preventing the entire application from crashing.
import React from 'react';
class ErrorBoundary extends React.Component {
constructor(props) {
super(props);
this.state = { hasError: false };
}
static getDerivedStateFromError(error) {
return { hasError: true };
}
componentDidCatch(error, errorInfo) {
// Optionally log the error or send
//it to an error reporting service
}
render() {
if (this.state.hasError) {
return <h1>Something went wrong.</h1>;
}
return this.props.children;
}
}
2. Wrap Components with the Error Boundary:
<ErrorBoundary>
component as a wrapper around any components or sections of your application you want to protect.
<ErrorBoundary>
<MyComponent />
</ErrorBoundary>
Key Points:
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