Nested Routing in Next.js
1. Introduction
Nested routing in Next.js allows developers to create complex navigation structures within their applications. This feature enables a more organized routing system, where routes can contain child routes, enhancing the overall user experience.
2. Key Concepts
2.1 Routing in Next.js
Next.js uses a filesystem-based routing mechanism. Each file in the `pages` directory corresponds to a route based on its file name.
2.2 Dynamic Routes
Dynamic routes are created using square brackets in the file names. For example, a file named `[id].js` can handle routes like `/post/1`, `/post/2`, etc.
2.3 Nested Routes
Nested routes allow you to create a hierarchy of routes. For example, you can have a route like `/dashboard/settings` with settings being a child route of the dashboard.
3. Setting Up Nested Routing
Follow these steps to set up nested routing in your Next.js application:
- Create a directory structure in the `pages` folder.
- Define your nested routes using directories and files.
- Utilize the
Link
component for navigation between nested routes.
3.1 Directory Structure Example
Here's an example of the directory structure:
pages/
├── dashboard/
│ ├── index.js // Dashboard Home
│ ├── settings/
│ │ └── index.js // Settings Home
│ └── profile/
│ └── [userId].js // User Profile
3.2 Example Code
Here’s a brief example of how to create a dashboard with nested settings:
import Link from 'next/link';
const Dashboard = () => {
return (
Dashboard
);
};
export default Dashboard;
4. Best Practices
- Keep your directory structure organized to avoid confusion.
- Use meaningful names for your routes and components.
- Utilize dynamic routing for better URL management.
5. FAQ
What is nested routing?
Nested routing refers to the ability to define routes within routes, allowing for a structured navigation hierarchy.
How do I create a dynamic nested route?
Dynamic nested routes can be created by using square brackets in the file names, e.g., [userId].js
under a nested folder.
Can I use getStaticProps
with nested routes?
Yes, you can use getStaticProps
for data fetching in nested routes just like in any other Next.js page.