Deploying a Next.js Application on Vercel: CLI and Vercel Portal

Streamlining Deployment: A Comprehensive Guide to Next.js and Vercel

Introduction:

Deploying a Next.js application on Vercel is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using either the Vercel CLI or the Vercel portal. In this blog post, we will explore both deployment methods and guide you through each step, including the necessary commands. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to deploy your Next.js application on Vercel seamlessly.

Step 1: Installing the Vercel CLI

To begin, ensure that you have the Vercel CLI installed. Open your terminal or command prompt and run the following command:
npm install -g vercel
This command will install the Vercel CLI globally, allowing you to interact with Vercel from your local development environment.

Step 2: Preparing your Next.js Application

Make sure your Next.js application is ready for deployment. In your project directory, run the following command to build your application:
npm run build
This command will generate an optimized production-ready build of your Next.js application.

Step 3: Deploying with the Vercel CLI

In your project directory, use the Vercel CLI to deploy your Next.js application by running the following command:
vercel
The CLI will guide you through the deployment process, prompting you to log in with your Vercel account credentials if this is your first deployment.

During the deployment, you’ll be asked to configure various settings such as project directory, build command, and more. Provide the appropriate information based on your project requirements.

Step 4: Deploying via the Vercel Portal

Alternatively, you can deploy your Next.js application using the Vercel portal. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Visit vercel.com and log in to your Vercel account.
2. From the Vercel dashboard, click on the “Import Project” button.
3. Choose the source of your Next.js application (e.g., Git repository, GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket) and connect it to Vercel.
4. Vercel will automatically detect your Next.js application and configure default deployment settings based on best practices.
5. Review and customize the deployment settings, such as framework preset and build command, according to your project requirements.
6. Once the settings are finalized, click on the “Deploy” button to initiate the deployment process.

Step 5: Monitor and Access Your Deployed Application

Whether you deployed via the Vercel CLI or the Vercel portal, you can monitor the deployment progress in your terminal or through the Vercel dashboard.

Upon successful deployment, Vercel will provide you with a unique URL where your Next.js application is hosted. You can access your deployed application by clicking on the provided URL or copying it into your browser.

Conclusion:

Deploying a Next.js application on Vercel offers a streamlined and efficient deployment process. By utilizing either the Vercel CLI or the Vercel portal, you can seamlessly deploy your application with ease. The CLI provides a command-line approach, while the portal offers a visual interface for deployment configuration. Whichever method you choose, Vercel ensures a smooth deployment experience for your Next.js applications.