Exploring Every Feature in Next.js and Testing Hosting Providers
Tags: nextjs, webdev, hosting
Published: 2024-03-13 16:40:17

Today, I want to share with you a project I'm currently working on - a new Next.js project that will use every feature of Next.js. Join me as I delve into the intricacies of this project, exploring every feature that Next.js has to offer.

### The Project Overview

In this project, I utilize every feature of Next.js, from statically rendered pages to API routes and everything in between. My focus is not just on showcasing these features but creating an app where each feature is isolated and individually testable. Why is it individually testable? The goal is to test various hosting providers to see how well they support these Next.js features.

We know the big two, Vercel and Netlify, have fantastic support for Next.js. But what about all the others popping up? AWS Amplify? Azure Static Web Apps? Cloudflare Pages? How well do they support Next.js' plethora of features? 

I'm using the Pages-based architecture of Next.js for this first run and hope to have enough support to take on App router features next. 

### Testing and Automation

Unlike traditional projects, my approach is to build an app that isolates each feature to a page, making it easier to test and evaluate. This allows me to generate a report on what is actually supported and working on any given hosting provider. So far, I have tested eleven of the Next.js features. 

I am creating automated Cypress end-to-end tests to assess each feature of Next.js. The plan is to host the test application on a hosting provider of your choice and then direct the Cypress tests toward the hosted solution. By determining which tests pass or fail, you can gain insight into the hosting provider's capabilities and compatibility with Next.js features.

### Future Prospects

My vision for this project is to create a robust platform that provides insights into the compatibility of Next.js features with various hosting providers. This can help developers make informed decisions when choosing a project hosting platform.

Give developers confidence that the version and features of Next.js that they require work before they go too deep into their solutions. 

### Join Me on this Journey

Please follow along as I continue to develop this project. Your feedback and insights are invaluable as I strive to make this app a comprehensive testing ground for Next.js features. I want to make sure this app is helpful to everyone, not just myself. 

Share your thoughts on the features you use in your Next.js applications and the hosting providers you are considering. 

### Stay Tuned for More

If you're intrigued by this project and want to see how it unfolds, consider subscribing to my new YouTube channel, [Thomas Does Dev](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMf4Vi87OVQgEX8XAYSCf0w). That is where I'll have the most up-to-date information on this project. 

In the upcoming parts of this series, I'll explore new features and test different hosting providers. 

Check out the code: [Next.js Every Feature](https://github.com/thomas-desmond/host-check-nextjs)

Watch the [video version](https://youtu.be/hsRmywPiYqU) for even more details.