Quick Links :

Creating a web application can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to building the user interface. One of the most popular frameworks for building server-side rendered (SSR) and statically generated websites and applications is Next.js. It provides a set of built-in features and tools that make it easy to build fast, scalable, and maintainable applications. One of the key features of Next.js is its support for page templates, which allow you to define reusable layouts and components for your application.

In this article, we will explore five essential Next.js page templates that you can use to build your web application. We will cover the benefits, working mechanisms, and examples of each template, as well as provide practical tips and best practices for using them in your project.

1. Basic Page Template

The basic page template is the simplest and most fundamental template in Next.js. It consists of a single file, usually index.js or index.tsx, that defines a single page component. This template is ideal for simple websites or landing pages that do not require complex layouts or navigation.

To create a basic page template, simply create a new file in the pages directory of your Next.js project, and define a React component that returns a JSX element.

Example:

// pages/index.js
import Head from 'next/head';

function HomePage() {
  return (
    

      
        
      
      
Welcome to my website!
    
  );
}

export default HomePage;

2. Layout Template

The layout template is a reusable template that defines a common layout for multiple pages in your application. It typically includes a header, footer, and navigation bar, and can be used to create a consistent look and feel across your website.

To create a layout template, create a new file in the components directory of your Next.js project, and define a React component that returns a JSX element.

Example:

// components/Layout.js
import Header from './Header';
import Footer from './Footer';

function Layout({ children }) {
  return (
    

      

      {children}
      
  );
}

export default Layout;

You can then use this layout template in your page components by wrapping your content with the Layout component.

Example:

// pages/about.js
import Layout from '../components/Layout';

function AboutPage() {
  return (
    
      
About Us
      
Welcome to our website!
    
  );
}

export default AboutPage;

3. Blog Post Template

The blog post template is a specialized template designed for creating blog posts or articles. It typically includes a title, date, author, and content, and can be used to create a consistent look and feel for your blog posts.

To create a blog post template, create a new file in the components directory of your Next.js project, and define a React component that returns a JSX element.

Example:

// components/BlogPost.js
import { format } from 'date-fns';

function BlogPost({ post }) {
  return (
    

      
{post.title}
      

        {format(new Date(post.date), 'MMMM dd, yyyy')} | {post.author}
      
      

    
  );
}

export default BlogPost;

You can then use this template to create individual blog post pages by passing the post data as a prop.

Example:

// pages/posts/[slug].js
import BlogPost from '../components/BlogPost';

function PostPage({ post }) {
  return (
    
      
    
  );
}

export default PostPage;

4. Category Template

The category template is a template designed for creating category pages that list multiple posts or articles. It typically includes a title, description, and list of posts, and can be used to create a consistent look and feel for your category pages.

To create a category template, create a new file in the components directory of your Next.js project, and define a React component that returns a JSX element.

Example:

// components/Category.js
function Category({ category, posts }) {
  return (
    

      
{category.title}
      
{category.description}
      

        {posts.map((post) => (
          

            
              {post.title}
            
          
        ))}
      
    
  );
}

export default Category;

You can then use this template to create individual category pages by passing the category data and list of posts as props.

Example:

// pages/categories/[slug].js
import Category from '../components/Category';

function CategoryPage({ category, posts }) {
  return (
    
      
    
  );
}

export default CategoryPage;

5. 404 Template

The 404 template is a specialized template designed for creating custom 404 error pages. It typically includes a title, message, and link to the home page, and can be used to create a consistent look and feel for your error pages.

To create a 404 template, create a new file in the pages directory of your Next.js project, and define a React component that returns a JSX element.

Example:

// pages/404.js
function NotFoundPage() {
  return (
    

      
404 Error
      
Sorry, the page you are looking for does not exist.
      
        Back to Home
      
    
  );
}

export default NotFoundPage;

In conclusion, these five essential Next.js page templates provide a solid foundation for building a wide range of web applications. By using these templates, you can create consistent and maintainable code, and focus on building the features and functionality that matter most to your users.

We hope this article has been helpful in understanding the different types of Next.js page templates and how to use them in your project. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask.