Next.js is a React framework used to build full-stack web applications. It supports both front-end and backend development. Next.js provides a command to create a project, which generates all the required files known as a boilerplate. In this article, we will learn about the Next.js Boilerplate.

What is a Boilerplate?

A boilerplate is a collection of necessary files and configurations needed for development. Boilerplates make creating applications easier by including basic setups such as routing, state management, styling, layout, etc. Technologies like Next.js, React.js, Vue.js, Angular, Express.js, etc., provide commands to create a boilerplate. A boilerplate can be generated using a command or by importing any boilerplate repository from GitHub.

What are the advantages of using Boilerplate code?

• Well-organized: Includes pages (components), public folders, styles, layout, and more.
• Faster Project Creation: Speeds up the initial setup process.
• Additional Tooling Support: Easily add TypeScript, ESLint, and Tailwind CSS.

How can Boilerplates improve the code Structure?

• Predefined Structure: Provides a well-organized code template.
• Modular Code: Divides code into small, manageable blocks.
• Starting Point: Includes essential elements already in place.

Different Boilerplates

Boilerplate by vercel

This boiler plate is provided by a vercel. It includes all the necessary files to start next.js development.

Prerequisite:

• Node.js version 18+ and npm

Features:

• It support for both App Router and page router.
• You can add TypeScript, ESLint, Tailwind CSS etc.

Required command to install:

npx create-next-app app_name

NextJS Starter Boilerplate

It provides a Router support, Tailwind CSS, TypeScript and many more. It is a open-source production ready with SEO support boilerplate.

Prerequisite:

• Node.js version 20+ and npm
• git installed

Feature:

• It provides a next.js with app router support.
• It provides support for typescript, tailwind css.
• It provides a Clerk support for authentication.
• It provides a Multi-language (i18n) with next-intl and Crowdin.

Required command to install:

git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/ixartz/Next-js-Boilerplate.git my-project-name
cd my-project-name
npm install

Creating a Next.js Boilerplate

To create a boilerplate in next.js, Make sure Node.js is installed in your System.

Create a Next.js Application:

node -v

Step 1: Create a NextJS application using the following command.

npx create-next-app@latest app_name

Step 2: Answer the Setup Questions:

√ Would you like to use TypeScript? ... No
√ Would you like to use ESLint? ... Yes
√ Would you like to use Tailwind CSS? ... No
√ Would you like to use `src/` directory? ... Yes
√ Would you like to use App Router?  ... Yes
√ Would you like to customize the default import alias (@/*)? ... No

Note: We can choose if we want to install other libraries or frameworks.

Step 3: Move to the Project Folder:

cd app_name

Project Structure:

Step to run the Application:

npm run dev

Output:

Output