ALL NEW NEXT.JS 14 IS HERE
Tags: nextjs, webdev, javascript, react
Published: 2023-10-29 11:16:52

Ahoy, folks! Brace yourselves for the mind-boggling awesomeness that is Next.js! 🚀 It's like React, but on steroids with a touch of pizzazz! Now, hold onto Yo, my peeps! We all know Next.js is the coolest cat in town, strutting its stuff with unlimited benefits and the magical touch of JUST REACT WITH SOME COOL FEATURES. 🕺 But hold up, hold up! Brace yourselves because the Next.js crew just dropped the bombshell of Next.js 14! 😱 Let's buckle up and uncover the mind-blowing goodies it's got in store for us, and how we can level up our game to make our lives suuuper smooth. **_(Psst...I'm low-key scared that Next.js 15 might sneak up on us while we're still raving about this blog! 🙈)_** So, get ready to dive into the awesomeness, my friends! Let's do this!


## COMPILER ON STEROIDS

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/j1sqd80m6svnz0omys0e.png)

Next.js has been on a mission to supercharge local development performance since version 13. With an incremental approach and the Rust-based compiler, its obvious that they reaching stability soon. 🚀

Thanks to Turbopack, which is the underlying Rust engine, which achieved impressive results:
🚀 Up to 53.3% faster local server startup
🚀 Up to 94.7% faster code updates with Fast Refresh

(EVERYTHING STRAIGHT FROM DOCSSSS)

In an upcoming minor release, Turbopack will become stable(can be tomorrow or by the time you are reading this blog xd). But fear not my dear friends, it still support using webpack for custom configs and ecosystem plugins to keep the flexibility intact. Get ready for the turbo-charged Next.js experience! 💨💪


## API Routes: Unleash the Backend Beast!

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/rvrd2ce8t1bycctijzbg.png)

Next.js 9 introduced API Routes, giving developers the power of frontend and backend combined! 🦾

Imagine creating a file like api/submit.ts where you can handle backend requests effortlessly.

And guess what? On the client-side, using React, you can submit forms like a Chad using `onSubmit` and fetch `magic`. 💪

But hold your horses! Next.js 14 is here to take it up a notch! Nextjs 14 simplifies mutations and making sure even slow networks and low-powered devices can handle form submissions like a boss. ⚡

So get ready to be the alpha developer, taming APIs and conquering the frontend-backend frontier! 🚀


## Unleash the Power of Server Actions: Your React Components are Calling!

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/oc44gyduhc93h3fnab79.png)

Imagine a world where creating API Routes is a thing of the past! No more hassle, my friend. Now, you can flex your coding muscles with a supercharged function that runs securely on the server, directly called from your React components. 📞💪

Introducing the `App Router`, backed by the **_mighty_** React canary channel, paving the way for new features and creating stability for frameworks like a boss. And guess what? Next.js 14 is rocking the latest React canary, bringing you the gold standard of Server Actions. 🚀

Yes, you heard it right! Say hello to app/page.tsx, the epitome of simplicity and efficiency. 📝✨

Just define a little create function inside, marked with the 'server' tag, and boom! You're ready to conquer the world of data manipulation. No API Routes, no worries! 😎

And hey, Server Actions play nice with forms (progressive enhancement at its finest), but they're not limited to that! You can call them directly as functions without a form, unleashing their true power. And when you add TypeScript to the mix, you get unbeatable type-safety from client to server. No code malfunctions here! 🛡️🔒

Imagine mutating data, triggering page re-renders, and even nifty redirections, all happening in one swoosh, while making sure your client displays the correct data—even if the upstream provider decides to play a slowpoke. 🐢

But wait, there's more! You can compose and reuse different actions, creating an API symphony where harmony and efficiency reign supreme. Mix and match, my friend! The possibilities are endless. 🎶💥


## Mastering Metadata: A Prerendering Symphony for Smooth User Experiences!

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/rjybkzvsrt22yp51tkfr.png)

Ah, the backstage secrets of streaming your page content from the server! But before the curtains rise, we mustn't forget the crucial steps of sending the browser some important metadata. Think of it as the VIP pass to a sublime user experience, preventing any unsightly page flickering or layout surprises.

Now, in the realms of Next.js 14, They've taken metadata to a whole new level. They've untangled the web of blocking and non-blocking metadata, giving each its rightful place in the grand scheme of things. Only a select few options will bravely block, while the rest perform their magic without impeding the static shell's service. Seamless harmony, my friend! 🎭🎩

Pay attention, though, because some metadata options of yore are reaching their retirement. They shall gracefully bow out in the next major version, making way for the shiny newcomers: "viewport" and "generateViewport." These two will become your go-to stars, ready to take over the performance stage. All other metadata options retain their glorious roles, fear not! They'll carry on as if nothing happened. 🌠🌌


## Conclusion

In the enchanting realm of Next.js 14, we've delved into the marvelous world of metadata, unlocking new possibilities for exceptional user experiences. But wait, there's more! Our update brings forth a trove of other exciting features and enhancements that we haven't even touched upon. So, don't hesitate to dive into the documentation and explore the wealth of knowledge that awaits. Get ready to embark on a breathtaking journey of discovery! 🚀