nextjs-best-practices
Next.js App Router principles. Server Components, data fetching, routing patterns.
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://smithery.ai --skill nextjs-best-practices- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads nextjs-best-practices automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Next.js Best Practices
Principles for Next.js App Router development.
1. Server vs Client Components
Decision Tree
Does it need...?
│
├── useState, useEffect, event handlers
│ └── Client Component ('use client')
│
├── Direct data fetching, no interactivity
│ └── Server Component (default)
│
└── Both?
└── Split: Server parent + Client child
By Default
| Type | Use |
|---|---|
| Server | Data fetching, layout, static content |
| Client | Forms, buttons, interactive UI |
2. Data Fetching Patterns
Fetch Strategy
| Pattern | Use |
|---|---|
| Default | Static (cached at build) |
| Revalidate | ISR (time-based refresh) |
| No-store | Dynamic (every request) |
Data Flow
| Source | Pattern |
|---|---|
| Database | Server Component fetch |
| API | fetch with caching |
| User input | Client state + server action |
3. Routing Principles
File Conventions
| File | Purpose |
|---|---|
page.tsx | Route UI |
layout.tsx | Shared layout |
loading.tsx | Loading state |
error.tsx | Error boundary |
not-found.tsx | 404 page |
Route Organization
| Pattern | Use |
|---|---|
Route groups (name) | Organize without URL |
Parallel routes @slot | Multiple same-level pages |
Intercepting (.) | Modal overlays |
4. API Routes
Route Handlers
| Method | Use |
|---|---|
| GET | Read data |
| POST | Create data |
| PUT/PATCH | Update data |
| DELETE | Remove data |
Best Practices
- Validate input with Zod
- Return proper status codes
- Handle errors gracefully
- Use Edge runtime when possible
5. Performance Principles
Image Optimization
- Use next/image component
- Set priority for above-fold
- Provide blur placeholder
- Use responsive sizes
Bundle Optimization
- Dynamic imports for heavy components
- Route-based code splitting (automatic)
- Analyze with bundle analyzer
6. Metadata
Static vs Dynamic
| Type | Use |
|---|---|
| Static export | Fixed metadata |
| generateMetadata | Dynamic per-route |
Essential Tags
- title (50-60 chars)
- description (150-160 chars)
- Open Graph images
- Canonical URL
7. Caching Strategy
Cache Layers
| Layer | Control |
|---|---|
| Request | fetch options |
| Data | revalidate/tags |
| Full route | route config |
Revalidation
| Method | Use |
|---|---|
| Time-based | revalidate: 60 |
| On-demand | revalidatePath/Tag |
| No cache | no-store |
8. Server Actions
Use Cases
- Form submissions
- Data mutations
- Revalidation triggers
Best Practices
- Mark with 'use server'
- Validate all inputs
- Return typed responses
- Handle errors
9. Anti-Patterns
| ❌ Don't | ✅ Do |
|---|---|
| 'use client' everywhere | Server by default |
| Fetch in client components | Fetch in server |
| Skip loading states | Use loading.tsx |
| Ignore error boundaries | Use error.tsx |
| Large client bundles | Dynamic imports |
10. Project Structure
app/
├── (marketing)/ # Route group
│ └── page.tsx
├── (dashboard)/
│ ├── layout.tsx # Dashboard layout
│ └── page.tsx
├── api/
│ └── [resource]/
│ └── route.ts
└── components/
└── ui/
Remember: Server Components are the default for a reason. Start there, add client only when needed.
FAQ
What does the nextjs-best-practices skill do?
Next.js App Router principles. Server Components, data fetching, routing patterns.
How do I install nextjs-best-practices?
Run npx skills add https://smithery.ai --skill nextjs-best-practices in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/nextjs-best-practices/ (personal) or .claude/skills/nextjs-best-practices/ (project).
Which AI agents can use nextjs-best-practices?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is nextjs-best-practices safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains nextjs-best-practices?
It is published by smithery.ai in smithery.ai. It has 224 recorded installs.
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