How to Export Pure HTML/CSS/JS from Next.js

Next.js is a popular framework for building server-rendered React applications. One of the great features of Next.js is the ability to export your application as pure HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files, which can be hosted on any static file server.

In this article, we’ll go over how to export your Next.js application as pure HTML/CSS/JS files. We’ll start by setting up a Next.js project and then we’ll walk through the steps to export the files. We’ll include a code example to help you get started.

Step 1: Set Up a Next.js Project

The first step in exporting your Next.js application is to set up a new Next.js project. You can do this by running the following command:

npx create-next-app my-app

This will create a new Next.js project called “my-app” in a new directory.

Step 2: Add a Page

Next, you’ll need to add a page to your Next.js application. You can do this by creating a new file called “index.js” in the “pages” directory of your project.

Here’s an example of what your “index.js” file might look like:

import React from 'react';

const IndexPage = () => {
  return (
    <div>
      <h1>Hello, world!</h1>
    </div>
  );
};

export default IndexPage;

This code creates a simple React component that displays a heading.

Step 3: Export the Application

With your Next.js application set up and a page added, you’re ready to export the application as pure HTML/CSS/JS files. To do this, you’ll need to run the following command:

npm run export

This will create a new “out” directory in your project that contains the exported HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files.

Step 4: Serve the Exported Files

To serve the exported files, you’ll need to use a static file server. There are many options available, but one simple option is to use the “serve” package.

First, install the “serve” package by running the following command:

npm install -g serve

Next, navigate to the “out” directory and run the following command:

serve

This will start a static file server and provide you with a URL that you can use to view your exported Next.js application in a browser.

Be Careful: When exporting pure HTML/CSS/JS from Next.js, the most important thing to consider is ensuring that the exported files contain all of the necessary code and assets for your application to function properly. This includes HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files, as well as any images, fonts, or other assets that are used in your application.

It’s also important to make sure that the exported files are properly optimised for performance, as this can have a significant impact on the user experience. This may involve minifying the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files, as well as compressing images and other assets to reduce their file size.

Additionally, it’s important to test the exported files to ensure that they are working as expected and that there are no errors or issues. This will help you catch any problems early on and ensure that your application is working smoothly for users.

Conclusion:

Exporting your Next.js application as pure HTML/CSS/JS files is a simple process that can be accomplished with just a few steps. By following the instructions in this article, you can easily set up a static file server and view your exported Next.js application in a browser.