Deploying Next.js Applications to Production

# Deploying Next.js Applications to Production Deploying a Next.js application to production requires careful planning and configuration. This guide covers the essential steps. ## Build Optimization ### Production Build Always use the production build: ```bash npm run build npm start ``` ### Environment Variables Set production environment variables: - Database URLs - API keys - Feature flags ## Deployment Platforms ### Vercel Vercel is the recommended platform for Next.js applications. It provides: - Automatic deployments - Edge network - Serverless functions - Built-in analytics ### Other Options - AWS (using Amplify or custom setup) - Google Cloud Platform - Azure - Self-hosted with Docker ## Performance Considerations - Enable image optimization - Use CDN for static assets - Implement caching strategies - Monitor Core Web Vitals ## Security - Use HTTPS - Set secure headers - Validate environment variables - Implement rate limiting ## Monitoring Set up monitoring for: - Error tracking (Sentry, LogRocket) - Performance monitoring - User analytics ## Conclusion Proper deployment practices ensure your application is fast, secure, and reliable in production.