Next.js 14 App Router

Next.js 14 brings significant improvements to the App Router introduced in v13. Let's explore what's new.

Server Components by Default

Every component in the app/ directory is a React Server Component by default. This means:

• Zero JavaScript sent to the client
• Direct database access without API routes
• Better performance and SEO

// This runs on the server — no "use client" needed
async function BlogList() {
  const posts = await db.posts.findMany() // Direct DB access!
  return <ul>{posts.map(p => <li key={p.id}>{p.title}</li>)}</ul>
}

Parallel Routes

Parallel routes allow rendering multiple pages simultaneously in the same layout:

app/
  @dashboard/
    page.tsx
  @analytics/
    page.tsx
  layout.tsx  ← receives both as props

Conclusion

The App Router represents a fundamental shift in how we build React applications. Embrace Server Components and you'll ship faster, leaner apps.