# Deploying Next.js applications

> Deploy Next.js applications with both static export and server-side rendering configurations.

Next.js on Ploi Cloud
---------------------

Next.js applications can be deployed on Ploi Cloud in two different modes: static export for maximum performance and server-side rendering for dynamic content.

### Choosing between static export and SSR

#### Static export (recommended for most sites)
Best for sites that can be pre-generated at build time:
- Marketing websites and blogs
- Documentation sites
- E-commerce product catalogs
- Portfolio websites
- Content that doesn't change per-user

#### Server-side rendering (SSR)
Required for applications with:
- User authentication and personalized content
- Real-time data that changes frequently
- Server-side API routes
- Dynamic meta tags for SEO
- ISR (Incremental Static Regeneration)

### Static export configuration

To deploy a static Next.js site:

1. **Update next.config.js**:
```javascript
module.exports = {
  output: 'export',
  // Optional: Configure base path if not serving from root
  // basePath: '/docs',
}
```

2. **Application settings**:
- **Start command**: Leave empty
- **Build commands**:
```bash
npm ci
npm run build
```

3. **Package.json scripts**:
```json
{
  "scripts": {
    "build": "next build",
    "start": "next start"
  }
}
```

Your static files will be served via Nginx for optimal performance.

### Server-side rendering configuration

For applications requiring Next.js server features:

1. **Application settings**:
- **Start command**: `npm run start`
- **Build commands**:
```bash
npm ci
npm run build
```

2. **Environment variables**:
```
NODE_ENV=production
NEXT_PUBLIC_API_URL=https://api.example.com
```

### Environment variables

Next.js uses two types of environment variables:

- **Server-side only**: Regular environment variables
- **Client-side**: Prefixed with `NEXT_PUBLIC_`

Example:
```
DATABASE_URL=postgres://...          # Server only
NEXT_PUBLIC_API_URL=https://api...  # Available in browser
```

### API routes

When using SSR mode, Next.js API routes work seamlessly:

```javascript
// pages/api/hello.js or app/api/hello/route.js
export default function handler(req, res) {
  res.status(200).json({ message: 'Hello from Ploi Cloud!' })
}
```