Next.js architecture: layered patterns for high-concurrency edge apps
The edge-delivery view of Next.js's layering and data flow.
Quick answer
Why does Next output:export fail to build?
Server-side data fetching on dynamic routes or middleware is not allowed. Images must be set to unoptimized, or the export aborts.
Machine-readable page data: /data/nextjs-architecture.json
In-depth analysis
Next.js is the dominant React meta-framework. output:export produces pure static output, but the core engine here is still Astro — Next pages exist here only for comparison and traffic capture. Architecture should be edge-first — static pre-render sinks to the edge, dynamic capability falls back to functions with circuit breakers.
// next.config.mjs — pure static export (no server functions)
const nextConfig = { output: 'export', images: { unoptimized: true } };
export default nextConfig;
// Build: next build && next exportNext.js Architecture · Key takeaways
- Static and dynamic boundaries defined
- Third-party calls wrapped in circuit breakers
- Environment config separated from code
- Boundary contracts documented
FAQ & pitfalls
How do I invalidate cache for Next static export?
The export is pure static files; atomically replace and use long cache for hash-named assets. HTML must-revalidate ensures the origin refreshes.
Explore the hub
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Next.js in practice: pure static export
Use output:export to ship Next.js as pure static files, capturing React ecosystem traffic without server-side dependencies.
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What readers are asking
Questions that keep coming back in reader feedback, already answered.
- 01
How do I fix a failing Next.js output: export build?
Server-side data fetching in dynamic routes, and middleware, both break the export; next/image also needs unoptimized or the export aborts.
See the full guide → - 02
Why is my Astro component's interactivity not working?
Components ship as zero-JS HTML by default, so an interactive one needs a client:* directive (client:load, client:visible, …). Without it the script is never bundled into the page.
See the full guide → - 03
Why is my custom Tailwind v4 brand colour not applied?
Colours must be declared in @theme (for example --color-brand). A missing @tailwindcss/vite plugin, or a leftover v3 config, makes bg-brand silently render nothing.
See the full guide →