Getting Started with Next.js 14

Next.js 14 is fast, opinionated, and ready for production. Here is the checklist I run every time I start a new project.

Start with the architecture

Pick App Router, define your routing structure early, and agree on what runs on the server versus client. Keeping a clear boundary avoids performance surprises later.

Nail the developer loop

Set up strict TypeScript, ESLint, and Prettier from the start. If your tooling is aligned, your code review cycle gets shorter and your shipping cadence improves.

export const strictMode = true as const;

Deploy early

The fastest way to learn is to deploy. Ship a draft, learn from real usage, and iterate.