Redirect and rewrite in middleware in NextJS - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of middleware in Next.js?

Middleware in Next.js runs before a request is completed. It can modify the request or response, such as redirecting users or rewriting URLs, helping control routing and access.

beginner

How do you perform a redirect in Next.js middleware?

Use the NextResponse.redirect() method with the target URL. This sends the user to a new location before the page loads.

intermediate

What is the difference between redirect and rewrite in Next.js middleware?

Redirect sends the user to a new URL and changes the browser address bar. Rewrite changes the URL internally without changing what the user sees in the address bar.

intermediate

Show a simple example of rewriting a URL in Next.js middleware.

In middleware, use NextResponse.rewrite(new URL('/new-path', request.url)) to serve content from '/new-path' while keeping the original URL visible to the user.

intermediate

Why might you use middleware to redirect users based on their location or device?

Middleware can check request details like headers or cookies and redirect users to region-specific pages or mobile versions, improving user experience without extra client code.

Which Next.js middleware method changes the URL the user sees in the browser?

A NextResponse.rewrite()

B NextResponse.redirect()

C NextResponse.next()

D NextResponse.json()

NextResponse.redirect() sends a redirect response that changes the browser's URL.

What does NextResponse.rewrite() do in Next.js middleware?

A Changes the URL internally without changing the browser address bar

B Redirects the user to a new URL

C Stops the request and returns an error

D Sends JSON data to the client

Rewrite changes the request URL internally but keeps the original URL visible to the user.

Where does Next.js middleware run in the request lifecycle?

A Before the request is completed

B After the page is rendered

C Only on the client side

D Only during build time

Middleware runs before the request finishes, allowing it to modify or redirect requests.

Which of these is a valid reason to use middleware for redirects?

A To change the page content after rendering

B To style the page dynamically

C To redirect users based on cookies or headers

D To fetch data from an API

Middleware can inspect cookies or headers to decide if a redirect is needed.

What is the correct way to rewrite a request to '/dashboard' in middleware?

A return NextResponse.redirect('/dashboard')

B return NextResponse.json({ path: '/dashboard' })

C return NextResponse.next()

D return NextResponse.rewrite(new URL('/dashboard', request.url))

NextResponse.rewrite() with a new URL rewrites the request internally.

Explain how you would use Next.js middleware to redirect users to a login page if they are not authenticated.

Think about checking user info and sending them somewhere else before loading the page.

Describe the difference between redirect and rewrite in Next.js middleware and when you might use each.

Consider what the user sees in the browser address bar.