Dynamic Catch-all Routes in NextJs 14

Hamed Bahram2 minutes read

Dynamic routes in Next.js allow for creating routes from dynamic data with various segment values, including optional catch all routes denoted by double square brackets. These routes enable the retrieval of user-specific data, such as to-dos, by matching segment values like user ID and to-do ID, with options for static generation at build time for improved performance.

Insights

  • Dynamic routes in Next.js allow for creating routes from dynamic data without prior knowledge of segment names, enabling flexible and adaptable route generation based on dynamic segments enclosed in square brackets.
  • Utilizing generateStaticParams function in Next.js pages facilitates the generation of static parameters for dynamic routes by returning an array of objects with potential segment values, offering a structured approach to handling dynamic route generation and ensuring efficient static path generation during the build process.

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Recent questions

  • How are dynamic routes created in Next.js?

    Dynamic routes in Next.js are generated by enclosing dynamic segments in square brackets, such as [ID] or [Slug]. These dynamic segments are passed as params to layout pages and are used to generate metadata functions. To create static params for dynamic routes, a generateStaticParams function is exported from pages, returning an array of objects with possible segment values. Catch all routes can also be utilized to capture subsequent segments using ellipsis inside brackets, while optional catch all routes are denoted by double square brackets around the folder name.

  • What is the purpose of the generateStaticParams function in Next.js?

    The generateStaticParams function in Next.js is used to generate static params for dynamic routes. By exporting this function from pages, developers can define an array of objects containing possible segment values. This function allows Next.js to statically generate specific paths at build time, contrasting with dynamic rendering on demand. It is a crucial tool for optimizing performance and improving user experience by pre-generating necessary content.

  • How are optional catch all routes defined in Next.js?

    Optional catch all routes in Next.js are denoted by two square brackets around the folder name. These routes match even when no subsequent segment follows the first one, and the params object may be an empty object if no slug is present. Optional catch all routes provide flexibility in handling various scenarios where additional segments may or may not be present, allowing for dynamic and customizable routing options within Next.js applications.

  • What is the significance of the user ID in dynamic routes?

    In dynamic routes, the user ID plays a crucial role in fetching specific user data. The user ID is used to retrieve the user's information through the "get user by ID" function, accessing the user's endpoint in the mock API. Additionally, the user ID is utilized to fetch all the to-dos associated with that specific user through the "get to-dos by user ID" function. By leveraging the user ID in dynamic routes, developers can efficiently retrieve and display personalized user data within their Next.js applications.

  • How is the layout structured for rendering users and their to-dos in Next.js?

    The layout for rendering users and their to-dos in Next.js is designed to showcase user data, including images and emails, while providing links for viewing to-do details. The active to-do is highlighted by underlining the corresponding link based on the matching to-do ID from the slug. This structured layout ensures a user-friendly interface where users can easily navigate between different to-dos and view detailed information, enhancing the overall user experience within Next.js applications.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Next.js Dynamic Routes: Flexible and Powerful

  • Dynamic routes in Next.js allow for creating routes from dynamic data without knowing segment names ahead of time.
  • Conventionally, dynamic segments are enclosed in square brackets, like [ID] or [Slug].
  • Dynamic segments are passed as params to layout pages and generate metadata functions.
  • To generate static params for dynamic routes, export a generateStaticParams function from pages.
  • The generateStaticParams function returns an array of objects with possible segment values.
  • Catch all routes extend dynamic segments to capture subsequent segments using ellipsis inside brackets.
  • Optional catch all routes are denoted by two square brackets around the folder name.
  • Optional catch all routes match even when no subsequent segment follows the first one.
  • In optional catch all routes, the params object may be an empty object if no slug is present.
  • The type of slug in dynamic routes varies based on the route structure, such as string or array of strings.

16:30

"Slug Structure for User To-Dos Routing"

  • The first segment of the slug at index zero represents the user ID, while the next segment is "to-dos," followed by the to-do ID.
  • The user ID is used to fetch the specific user through the "get user by ID" function, which accesses the user's endpoint in the mock API.
  • If there is no user or an error occurs, the "not found" function is called to display the appropriate page.
  • The user ID is also utilized to retrieve all the to-dos for that specific user through the "get to-dos by user ID" function.
  • The to-do ID is used to determine if the user is on a specific to-do detail page by matching it with the to-do IDs obtained from the slug.
  • The layout for rendering users and their to-dos is structured to show user data, including images and emails, and provide links for viewing to-do details.
  • The active to-do is highlighted by underlining the corresponding link based on the matching to-do ID from the slug.
  • The generate static params function is explained, detailing how it can be used to instruct Next.js to statically generate specific paths at build time, contrasting with dynamic rendering on demand.
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