Next.js's two routing systems and why the App Router is the modern default.
Skip to solutionKEEP THE
mediumFrontend
What is the difference between the App Router and the Pages Router?
826 views
01
Understand the problem
nextjsapp-routerpages-routerrouting
02
Attempt it yourself
Sketch your approach before reading the solution — that's what interviews test.
Nudge consolestandby
Stuck? Beam a request up — the console returns a conceptual nudge that guides your logic without spoiling the implementation.
03
Study the solution
The Pages Router (pages/) uses getServerSideProps/getStaticProps and client components only. The App Router (app/) is built on React Server Components, with nested layouts, streaming, Server Actions, and granular caching. The App Router is the recommended approach for new apps.
Solution ready — 2 min read
Classified // press E to declassify
04
Read the code
Same data fetch, both routers
// Pages Router — pages/posts.tsx
export async function getServerSideProps() {
const posts = await getPosts();
return { props: { posts } };
}
export default function Posts({ posts }) { /* ... */ }
// App Router — app/posts/page.tsx
export default async function Posts() {
const posts = await getPosts(); // fetch inline in a Server Component
return /* ... */;
}05
Join the discussion
Discussion (0)
Sign in to join the discussion.
No responses yet. Be the first to share what you think.
Transmission complete // awaiting log
KEEP THE
STREAK ALIVE.
Dossier 35 of 95 decoded in the Next.js track. One more won't hurt.