Next.jsReactWeb Development
Getting Started with Next.js 16
A practical introduction to building with Next.js 16, covering App Router, Server Components, and MDX.
title: "Getting Started with Next.js 16" date: "2026-05-20" description: "A practical introduction to building with Next.js 16, covering App Router, Server Components, and MDX." tags: ["Next.js", "React", "Web Development"]
Next.js 16 brings a refined App Router experience with improved performance and new conventions. This guide walks you through the key concepts.
App Router Basics
The App Router uses a file-based routing system inside the app/ directory. Every folder becomes a route segment, and page.tsx files define the UI for that segment.
// app/blog/page.tsx
export default function BlogPage() {
return <h1>Blog</h1>
}
Server Components by Default
All components inside app/ are Server Components by default. They run only on the server, which means:
- No JavaScript sent to the client
- Direct access to databases and file systems
- Faster initial page loads
To opt into client-side interactivity, add "use client" at the top of a file.
Using MDX
MDX lets you embed React components directly inside Markdown:
import { Chart } from '@/components/Chart'
## Performance Stats
<Chart data={performanceData} />
This makes content rich and interactive without sacrificing the simplicity of Markdown authoring.
Next Steps
- Explore the Next.js docs
- Try building a full-stack feature with Server Actions
- Set up Vercel deployment for instant previews