Next.js is a powerful framework for building complete websites with both static and dynamic content. Here’s how to create a fully functional website using Next.js:

1. Set Up a Next.js ProjectbashCopy codenpx create-next-app my-website cd my-website
   • Start by creating a new Next.js project using the command:
   • This will create a boilerplate Next.js project structure with default files and dependencies.
2. Create Pages and RoutesjavascriptCopy code// pages/about.js export default function About() { return <h1>About Us</h1>; }
   • Next.js uses a file-based routing system where each file in the pages directory becomes a route.
   • For example, creating an about.js file in the pages directory will automatically create a route at /about.
   • Create additional pages like home, contact, and other relevant sections for your website.
3. Add Dynamic Content with API RoutesjavascriptCopy code// pages/api/posts.js export default async function handler(req, res) { const posts = await fetch('https://example.com/api/posts').then(res => res.json()); res.status(200).json(posts); }
   • Use Next.js API routes to fetch dynamic content from a database or external API.
   • Create an API route in pages/api to fetch data. For example, create a route to get blog posts.
4. Fetch Data for Dynamic PagesjavascriptCopy code// pages/blog/[slug].js export async function getStaticProps({ params }) { const res = await fetch(`https://example.com/api/posts/${params.slug}`); const post = await res.json(); return { props: { post } }; } export async function getStaticPaths() { const res = await fetch('https://example.com/api/posts'); const posts = await res.json(); const paths = posts.map(post => ({ params: { slug: post.slug } })); return { paths, fallback: false }; }
   • Use Next.js’s built-in data-fetching methods like getStaticProps, getServerSideProps, or getStaticPaths for generating dynamic content.
   • Example: Fetching blog posts for a dynamic blog page.
5. Style the Website with CSS or Tailwind CSSbashCopy code# Install Tailwind CSS npm install tailwindcss postcss autoprefixer npx tailwindcss init -p
   • Use global styles in styles/globals.css or add a custom CSS file for specific components.
   • Alternatively, use a utility-first CSS framework like Tailwind CSS for rapid styling.
   • Configure Tailwind in tailwind.config.js and use its classes in your components.
6. Add a Content Management System (CMS)javascriptCopy code// Example of fetching content from a CMS like Contentful import { createClient } from 'contentful'; const client = createClient({ space: process.env.CONTENTFUL_SPACE_ID, accessToken: process.env.CONTENTFUL_ACCESS_TOKEN, }); export async function getStaticProps() { const entries = await client.getEntries({ content_type: 'blogPost' }); return { props: { posts: entries.items } }; }
   • Integrate a CMS like Contentful, Strapi, or Sanity for managing content.
   • Fetch content from the CMS via API and render it dynamically in your pages.
7. Implement Authentication (Optional)
   • Use libraries like next-auth for user authentication.
   • Set up social or email/password authentication, and protect specific pages by requiring login.
8. Deploy the Website
   • Deploy using platforms like Vercel or Netlify, which support Next.js out of the box.
   • Configure environment variables for production, such as API keys and database connections.
   • Connect the website to a custom domain and set up SSL for secure access.
9. Optimize for SEO and Performance
   • Use Next.js’s built-in SEO capabilities to set meta tags and optimize page performance.
   • Leverage features like automatic static optimization, image optimization with next/image, and lazy loading for better user experience.