Next.js Routing in 2025

I'd be happy to help you grow as a developer and clarify the differences between the App Router and Pages Router in Next.js.

Overview of Next.js Routing

Next.js provides two primary routing systems: the Pages Router and the App Router. Understanding these systems is crucial for building efficient and scalable applications.

Pages Router

• Introduction: The Pages Router was the original routing system in Next.js, available before version 13. It uses a file-system-based approach where each file in the pages directory corresponds to a route.
• Features:
  • Server-Side Rendering (SSR): Supports SSR, which can enhance SEO and initial page load performance.
  • Static Site Generation (SSG): Allows for pre-rendering pages at build time, improving performance.
  • Simple Setup: Easy to set up and understand, especially for smaller applications.
• Use Cases: Ideal for applications where SEO and initial performance are critical, or for maintaining legacy projects.

App Router

• Introduction: Introduced in Next.js 13, the App Router is designed to leverage modern React features like Server Components and Streaming.
• Features:
  • Server Components: Enables server-side rendering by default, with client-side rendering for interactive components.
  • Dynamic, Nested, and Parallel Routes: Supports complex routing scenarios, making it suitable for dynamic and interactive applications.
  • Performance Optimization: Offers advanced caching and streaming capabilities to improve user experience.
  • Flexibility: Allows for more flexible rendering and handling of UI scenarios.
• Use Cases: Recommended for single-page applications or projects requiring advanced routing features and performance optimizations.

Key Differences

Feature	Pages Router	App Router
Routing Approach	File-system based	More flexible, supports dynamic and parallel routes
Server-Side Rendering	Optional, via getServerSideProps	Default for most components
SEO & Performance	Better SEO and initial performance due to SSR/SSG	Advanced caching and streaming for improved performance
Complexity	Simpler setup	More complex, but offers advanced features
Recommended Use	Legacy projects, SEO-focused applications	New projects, single-page applications, dynamic routing

To improve your skills in Next.js, focus on the following:

1. Familiarize yourself with the App Router
2. Practice with Real Projects: Start building projects that utilize the App Router's advanced features like Server Components and parallel routes.
3. Stay Updated with Documentation: Regularly check the official Next.js documentation for updates and best practices.
4. Experiment with Different Routing Scenarios: Try implementing dynamic, nested, and parallel routes to understand how they can enhance your application's user experience.

By following these steps and practicing with real-world projects, you'll be well on your way to advancing your skills in Next.js

Happy Coding! 🤓