Introduction

Next.js has become one of the most popular React frameworks for building modern web applications. With the release of Next.js 15, developers can now leverage even more powerful features to create fast, scalable, and SEO-friendly applications. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, this guide will walk you through the steps to get started with Next.js 15 and build your first project.

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of JavaScript and React
• Node.js installed on your machine
• A code editor (e.g., VS Code)
• A terminal or command prompt

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Install Node.js and npm

First, ensure you have Node.js and npm installed. Open your terminal and run:

node --version npm --version

If not installed, download and install from the official Node.js website.

Step 2: Create a New Next.js 15 Project

Create a new Next.js project using the following command:

npx create-next-app@latest my-nextjs-app

Step 3: Run the Development Server

Navigate to your project directory and start the development server:

cd my-nextjs-app npm run dev

Your app will be available at http://localhost:3000

Step 4: Create Your First Page

Create a new page in your Next.js application:

// pages/index.js
export default function Home() {
  return (
    <div>
      <h1>Welcome to Next.js 15!</h1>
      <p>This is your first Next.js app.</p>
    </div>
  );
}

Step 5: Add Styling

Next.js supports various styling options. Here's an example using CSS Modules:

// styles/Home.module.css
.container {
  padding: 2rem;
  max-width: 1200px;
  margin: 0 auto;
}

Step 6: Deploy Your Application

The easiest way to deploy your Next.js app is using Vercel:

1. Push your code to GitHub
2. Import your repository to Vercel
3. Vercel will automatically deploy your application

Tips and Best Practices

• Use Server Components for better performance
• Implement proper error boundaries
• Optimize images using next/image
• Leverage the new caching mechanisms
• Follow the official documentation for best practices

Additional Resources

• Next.js Official Documentation
• Next.js GitHub Repository
• Vercel Deployment Guide