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October 27, 2024

Starting with Next.js: A Simple Setup and Overview

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Getting Started With Nextjs.

Step 1: Set Up Your Coding Environment

To work effectively with Next.js, you'll need a reliable coding environment. Here’s how to set up Visual Studio Code (VS Code), a popular editor among developers.

1. Download and Install Visual Studio Code

  • Go to Google: Open your web browser and go to Google .
  • Search for VS Code: Type "Visual Studio Code download" and select the official link from Microsoft ( code.visualstudio.com ).
  • Choose Your OS: On the Visual Studio Code homepage, click on the download button, which will automatically detect your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  • Install VS Code: Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

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2. Set Up Essential Extensions for VS Code

  • JavaScript (ES6) Snippets: Go to the Extensions tab (on the left sidebar) and search for "JavaScript (ES6) code snippets." Install it to enhance your coding efficiency.
  • Prettier - Code Formatter: This helps in auto-formatting your code. Install it from the Extensions tab as well.
  • ESLint: For identifying and fixing potential issues in your code, install the ESLint extension.
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Step 2: Install Node.js and NPM

Next.js requires Node.js and NPM (Node Package Manager) to run. Here’s how to install them:

1. Download Node.js:

  • Go to Node.js's   official   website .
  • Choose the LTS (Long Term Support) version for stability and download the installer suitable for your operating system.
  • Run the installer and follow the instructions to complete the installation.

2. Verify Installation:

  • Open your terminal (or Command Prompt) and type the following commands to confirm that Node.js and NPM were installed correctly

node -v
npm -v
  • If you see version numbers, then Node.js and NPM are successfully installed.

Step 3: Create Your First Next.js Project

With VS Code, Node.js, and NPM ready, you’re all set to start your first Next.js project.

1. Open VS Code’s Terminal:

  • Open Visual Studio Code.
  • Go to View > Terminal or use the shortcut Ctrl + ` (backtick) to open the integrated terminal.

2. Initialize a Next.js Project:

  • In the terminal, type the following command to create a new Next.js application:
npx create-next-app@latest my-nextjs-app
  • Replace my-nextjs-app with the name you want for your project.
  • Follow the prompts to set up your project (default settings work fine for beginners).

3. Run the Development Server:

  • Navigate into your project folder

cd my-nextjs-app
  • Start the development server by running:

npm run dev

  • Open your browser and go to http://localhost:3000 . You should see your Next.js starter page!