Next.js quickstart: 5-minute local dev environment
The shortest path to getting Next.js running — a minimal starting point for first-time users.
Quick answer
Which config enables Next.js static export?
Use output:export. Export behavior changes across Next majors — check the export limitations list before upgrading.
Machine-readable page data: /data/nextjs-quickstart.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. The fastest path to a win is one command to scaffold, start dev, edit a line, and see hot reload.
// 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 Quickstart · Key takeaways
- Node ≥ 20.19 and pnpm ready
- Official scaffold initialized
- Dev hot reload works
- First local page reached
FAQ & pitfalls
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.
Explore the hub
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Next.js deployment guide: zero-ops edge publishing with Cloudflare Pages
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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 →