You do not need to be a React expert to start building with Next.js.
The new App Router lets you create real apps with clear structure, server-side power, and modern frontend tooling, all in one stack. If you are vibecoding your way into full-stack development, start here.
These are the 13 things to learn first.
1. The app/ Directory Replaces pages/
Forget everything you learned about the pages/ folder. In modern Next.js, the app/ folder is the new home for your app.
- Every subfolder becomes a route
- Every
page.jsbecomes a rendered page
In web development, a route is the path that determines what content or component is shown when a user visits a specific URL.
Why it matters:
It simplifies the mental model. You can organize your app by feature, not by technical constraint. Easier to navigate. Easier to scale.
2. Each Route Needs a page.js
Want to create a new page?
- Create a folder:
/app/about/ - Add a file:
page.js
Why it matters:
You do not need to configure anything. Just create the file, and it works. This helps you move faster and focus on your actual user interface.
3. Use layout.js for Shared Wrappers
Layouts wrap every page in a folder. Add one at the root of app/ and it wraps your whole app.
- Use it for nav, footer, fonts, or metadata
- You can also nest layouts per folder
Why it matters:
You avoid repeating the same code across multiple pages. This is clean, consistent, and saves time as your app grows.
4. Components Go in the components/ Folder
Extract any repeatable UI (like buttons or cards) into a components/ folder and import as needed.
Why it matters:
Keeps your code easy and modular. Easier to maintain, test, and reuse elements across the app.
5. Folder Structure: What a Simple App Looks Like
Here is a minimal starter structure:
my-app/
│
├── app/
│ ├── layout.js // Shared layout
│ ├── page.js // Home page
│ ├── about/
│ │ ├── page.js
│ │ └── loading.js
│ └── api/
│ └── hello/
│ └── route.js
│
├── components/
│ ├── Navbar.js
│ └── Button.js
│
├── public/
│ └── logo.png
│
├── styles/
│ └── globals.css
│
├── .env.local
├── next.config.js
└── package.json
Why it matters:
You get a visual map of your app's structure. You can see where everything lives at a glance, and scale confidently as features grow.
6. Routes Are Just Folders
Each folder inside app/ becomes a URL path.
/app/about/page.js=/about- No router config needed
Why it matters:
You do not have to learn a router system. You just create folders and files, and Next.js handles the rest. Instant productivity.
7. Navigation Uses <Link>
Use the Link component from next/link for all internal navigation.
import Link from 'next/link'; <Link href="/about">About</Link>
Why it matters:
It gives you smooth, client-side navigation with no page reloads. This feels faster to users and makes your app feel modern by default.
8. Use loading.js and error.js for Better UX
Add loading.js or error.js to any folder to handle load states or error boundaries.
Why it matters:
It creates better user experiences. You can show spinners, loading messages, or friendly errors, without extra code in your main page.
9. Pages Can Be async - Server Data Is Built-In
You can write async in your page.js to fetch data on the server before rendering.
export default async function Page() {
const res = await fetch('https://api.example.com');
const data = await res.json();
return <div>{data.message}</div>;
}
Why it matters:
You do not need useEffect or client-side fetching just to load initial data. Server rendering improves speed, SEO, and simplicity.
10. Use "use client" for Interactive Components
Add "use client" at the top of any file if you need to use React hooks or browser-only logic.
Why it matters:
It lets you keep most of your code server-rendered (fast, secure), but still add interactivity where needed (forms, modals, inputs).
11. Add Metadata Easily
You can export a metadata object in your layout.js or page.js to add page titles and descriptions.
export const metadata = { title: 'Home', description: 'My site homepage' }
Why it matters:
It is built-in SEO support. This improves how your site looks in search results and when shared on social media, no external libraries needed.
12. Deploying to Vercel Is Instant (and Smart)
Push your code to GitHub and connect it to Vercel. Every push triggers a deploy.
Why it matters:
Vercel checks your build before it merges. That means your site cannot break silently. Instant Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery without setting anything up.
13. You Can Build Real Things Right Now
You can build a real, working app with just:
- One layout
- A few pages
- Some components
- One API route
- One deploy
Why it matters:
This stack is productive from day one. You do not need to “learn everything first.” You can ship something useful and beautiful fast.
Quickstart: Create a New Next.js App
To get started fast with the latest features, run:
npx create-next-app@latest my-app --app --typescript --eslint --tailwind
This sets up a modern, full-featured project with everything you need to build right away.
What Each Option Does
my-app: Creates a new folder named my-app
--app: Uses the new App Router (recommended over pages/)
--typescript: Adds TypeScript for type safety and better editor support
--eslint: Includes ESLint to catch bugs and enforce code style
--tailwind: Installs Tailwind CSS for utility-first styling
Example Result
After running the command, you will have a clean project structure with layout support, TypeScript tooling, and Tailwind styles ready to go.
Final Thought
Next.js gives you a powerful structure to build with confidence and without needing to configure a complex setup.
Let your creativity lead. Build the UI you want. Add features as you go.
This is vibecoding.