Next.js App Router Migration

The App Router is the new way to build applications with Next.js. It replaces the Pages Router and introduces many new features.

What is the App Router?

The App Router is a new routing system that uses app/ directory instead of pages/. It supports:

• Server Components by default
• Nested layouts
• Parallel routes
• Intercepting routes

Why Migrate?

• Better performance
• Improved developer experience
• Access to new features
• Future-proof your application

Migration Steps

1. Create app/ directory - Start with a new app folder
2. Move routes gradually - You can have both pages/ and app/ together
3. Update data fetching - Use fetch with caching instead of getServerSideProps
4. Migrate metadata - Use generateMetadata instead of next/head
5. Test and deploy - Verify everything works before full migration

Common Pitfalls

• Forgetting to add "use client" for client components
• Not handling loading states with Suspense
• Missing generateStaticParams for dynamic routes

Resources

• Next.js App Router Documentation
• Migration Guide

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