Using getServerSideProps in Next.js

1. Introduction

In Next.js, data fetching is a crucial aspect that influences the performance and SEO of your application. One of the primary methods for server-side data fetching is getServerSideProps. This method allows developers to fetch data on each request, ensuring that users receive the most updated data possible.

2. What is getServerSideProps?

getServerSideProps is a Next.js function that can be exported from a page component. It runs on the server side for each request and provides props to the page component, allowing the page to be rendered with fresh data.

3. How to Use getServerSideProps

To use getServerSideProps, follow these steps:

1. Define a function named getServerSideProps in your page component file.
2. Inside the function, fetch the required data (e.g., from an API).
3. Return an object with a props key containing the fetched data.
4. The page component will receive this data as props.

4. Code Example

            // pages/example.js
            import React from 'react';

            const ExamplePage = ({ data }) => {
                return (
                    

                        
Data from Server:
                        
{JSON.stringify(data, null, 2)}
                    
                );
            };

            export const getServerSideProps = async () => {
                const res = await fetch('https://api.example.com/data');
                const data = await res.json();

                return { props: { data } };
            };

            export default ExamplePage;
        

5. Best Practices

• Use caching strategies to minimize API calls and improve performance.
• Limit the amount of data fetched to only what is necessary for rendering the page.
• Combine getServerSideProps with client-side fetching for user-specific data.
• Ensure that the data fetching logic is efficient to avoid slow response times.

6. FAQ