Deployment of Next.js App: Choosing the Right Path for Your Project

Next.js stands out as a popular React framework for building fast, scalable web apps. When it comes to deployment, Next.js offers plenty of flexibility. You can deploy your application on Vercel, the platform created by the team behind Next.js, use Docker containers on various cloud providers, or export it as a static site to be hosted anywhere. Each approach fits different project needs and infrastructure setups, making it important to understand your options clearly.

Deploying Next.js on Vercel

Vercel is the official deployment platform for Next.js and is finely tuned to support its features. As the creators of Next.js power Vercel, it offers automatic optimizations for Next.js apps, including serverless functions, instant scaling, and global edge network support.

Setting Up a Vercel Deployment

Getting started with Vercel is simple and fast:

1. Connect your Git repository (GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket).
2. Vercel auto-detects the Next.js framework and sets the build command (next build).
3. Configure environment variables through the Vercel dashboard if your app needs them.
4. Click deploy and watch Vercel handle the rest — from building to launching your app live.

This process requires minimal manual setup, making it ideal for teams wanting to focus on development instead of infrastructure.

Benefits of Using Vercel for Next.js

Vercel offers a zero-configuration deployment experience that automatically applies the best settings for your Next.js app. Key features include:

• Built-in CDN integration to deliver content swiftly across the globe.
• Support for serverless functions lets you add backend APIs easily.
• Real-time build logs provide instant feedback on deployment status.
• Immediate scaling manages traffic spikes without intervention.

Vercel’s tight Next.js integration means apps run at peak performance by default.

Considerations and Limitations

Despite its benefits, Vercel may not fit every project. Some points to consider:

• Potential vendor lock-in due to reliance on Vercel’s platform features.
• Pricing can grow with large-scale or high-traffic applications.
• Complex backend or custom server needs might require other hosting setups.

For projects needing highly customized server configurations or strict compliance requirements, other deployment methods might suit better.

Learn more about this streamlined process at the official Next.js deployment documentation and Next.js on Vercel.

Deploying Next.js with Docker Containers

Using Docker for your Next.js app adds a layer of environment consistency and control. Containerization helps when you want to deploy your app on different servers or cloud providers without worrying about environment mismatches.

Creating a Dockerfile for Next.js

A good Dockerfile for Next.js typically uses multi-stage builds:

• Build stage: Runs next build to generate the optimized output.
• Production stage: Uses a lightweight Node.js image to serve the build.

Example essentials:

• Cache node_modules to speed up rebuilds.
• Set environment variables during the container run.
• Use an appropriate base image like node:18-alpine for smaller images.

This setup keeps your container clean and efficient for production.

Running and Managing Docker Containers

Locally, run containers with commands like:

docker build -t my-nextjs-app .
docker run -p 3000:3000 my-nextjs-app

Push your Docker image to registries such as:

• Docker Hub
• GitHub Container Registry
• AWS Elastic Container Registry (ECR)

From there, you can deploy to cloud providers or orchestrators.

Deployment on Cloud Providers Using Docker

Dockerized Next.js apps can run on various environments:

• AWS ECS and Fargate for managed container hosting.
• Railway.app offering straightforward deployment with Docker support.
• Dedicated VMs on platforms like DigitalOcean or Linode let you run Docker containers flexibly.

Container deployments give you control over scaling, logging, and updates, matching any infrastructure needs.

Read more about Docker usage with Next.js in detailed guides like Running Next.js with Docker.

Static Export and Hosting Options for Next.js

Static export suits projects with mostly fixed content. It generates a fully static HTML version of your site, which can be hosted on any server.

Generating a Static Export of Next.js App

Use the command next export after building your app:

next build
next export

This outputs a static version inside the out folder. Note, you may need to adjust your next.config.js to support static export mode.

Hosting Static Sites Efficiently

Host your static files on platforms designed for static sites like:

• Amazon S3 with CloudFront CDN for global speed.
• Netlify or Vercel’s static hosting services.
• Traditional web servers like Apache or Nginx.

Combine CDNs and smart caching to boost load times and reduce server load. Minimizing JavaScript bundles also improves front-end performance.

Limitations of Static Export

Static export doesn’t support:

• Server-side rendering or incremental static regeneration.
• Dynamic routes are generated at request time.
• API routes are powered by serverless functions.

It’s best for content-heavy sites with minimal dynamic interaction or where data changes rarely.

Explore how to manage static exports in the Next.js official guides.

Deploying Next.js App on Plesk Server

Plesk is a popular web hosting control panel used by many shared hosting providers. I mentioned on the Hashnode blog before about this kind of deployment (How to Host Your Vercel Project on a Plesk Server) . Deploying Next.js on Plesk requires:

• Building your Next.js app locally (next build).
• Using the next export to output static files or serve the app with Node.js if your host supports it.
• Uploading built files to Plesk’s hosting file manager or setting up Node.js hosting if available.
• Configuring the domain and SSL through Plesk.

While Plesk does support Node.js apps, it often fits better for static exports or simpler hosting scenarios where full server control isn’t required.

Check with your hosting provider about Node.js support on Plesk to choose the best deployment method.

Conclusion

Next.js deployment offers various paths. Vercel is a top choice when you want a hands-off experience with built-in optimization. Docker offers power and flexibility for custom environments and cloud deployments. Static export works well for simple, static sites hosted anywhere.

Your choice depends on project size, complexity, scaling needs, and infrastructure. Each method can deliver speed and performance if matched wisely. Explore your priorities, then pick the method that suits your app’s workflow.

For more detailed instructions on deploying Next.js apps, the official Next.js documentation remains an excellent resource.