Deploying with Vercel

Introduction

Vercel is a cloud platform specifically designed for frontend developers. It supports serverless functions and static site generation, making it an ideal choice for deploying Next.js applications. In this lesson, we will go through the steps of deploying a Next.js application using Vercel.

Prerequisites

Make sure you have the following:

A Next.js application set up locally.
A Vercel account. You can sign up at vercel.com/signup.
Node.js installed on your machine (preferably the latest LTS version).

Vercel Setup

1. Install Vercel CLI

Vercel provides a command-line interface (CLI) that allows you to deploy your applications directly from your terminal. To install the Vercel CLI, run:

npm install -g vercel

2. Log in to Vercel

Once the installation is complete, log in to your Vercel account by running:

vercel login

Follow the prompts to authenticate your account.

Deploying Your Next.js App

1. Initialize Deployment

Navigate to your Next.js project folder in the terminal and run:

vercel

2. Follow Deployment Prompts

During the deployment process, you will be prompted to provide some information:

Choose a scope for your deployment.
Specify the project name.
Select the root directory (usually it’ll be set to the current directory).
Choose whether to link to an existing project or create a new one.

Once completed, Vercel will provide you with a deployment URL where you can view your application live!

Best Practices

To ensure smooth deployments, consider the following best practices:

Keep your Next.js application updated to the latest version.
Utilize environment variables for sensitive data.
Monitor performance and errors through Vercel's dashboard.
Make use of serverless functions for backend logic.

FAQ

What is Vercel?

Vercel is a cloud platform for static sites and Serverless Functions that fits perfectly with Next.js. It provides a seamless deployment experience for developers.

Is Vercel free to use?

Vercel offers a free tier which is suitable for personal projects and small applications. However, for larger apps or teams, paid plans are available.

Can I use custom domains on Vercel?

Yes, Vercel allows you to use custom domains. You can easily add your domain in the Vercel dashboard after deploying your application.