Next.js Serverless Functions

Jan 26, 2025

Next.js provides a powerful way to build serverless APIs using its built-in API Routes. With serverless functions, you can quickly deploy scalable APIs without managing server infrastructure.

Here are some key concepts and examples to get started:

What are Serverless Functions?

Serverless functions are single-purpose, event-driven pieces of backend logic that execute on-demand. In the context of Next.js, serverless functions are created using API Routes in the pages/api/ directory or the app/api/ directory (when using the App Router).

Key Benefits of Serverless Functions:

  • Scalability: Automatically scales with traffic.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Pay only for the time your code runs.
  • Ease of Use: No need to manage servers or infrastructure.

Emphasis

Next.js makes API development seamless with serverless functions.

You can include backend logic directly in your frontend project.

No need for a separate backend framework.

Blockquotes

Serverless functions enable developers to focus on building applications without worrying about server management – Vercel.

CodeBlocks

Example of a Basic API Route

// pages/api/hello.js
export default function handler(req, res) {
  res.status(200).json({ message: "Hello, world!" });
}
Bilal Ahmad