What is Route Handler in Next.js: Simple Explanation and Example

In Next.js, a route handler is a special file that manages HTTP requests for a specific route, like GET or POST. It lets you write backend logic directly inside your app to respond to requests without needing a separate server.

How It Works

Think of a route handler in Next.js like a helpful receptionist at a store. When someone comes in (makes a request), the receptionist listens and decides what to do based on the request type, like giving information or accepting an order.

In Next.js, route handlers live inside the app folder under a route folder named route.js or route.ts. They export functions named after HTTP methods such as GET or POST. When a user visits that route or sends data, Next.js runs the matching function to handle the request and send back a response.

This setup means you can build backend features like APIs or form processing right alongside your frontend pages, making your app simpler and faster to develop.

Example

This example shows a simple route handler that responds to GET requests with a JSON message.

javascript

export async function GET(request) {
  return new Response(JSON.stringify({ message: 'Hello from Next.js route handler!' }), {
    status: 200,
    headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
  });
}

Output

{"message":"Hello from Next.js route handler!"}

When to Use

Use route handlers in Next.js when you want to add backend logic directly inside your Next.js app without setting up a separate server. They are perfect for:

• Creating API endpoints to fetch or send data.
• Handling form submissions or user actions.
• Performing server-side tasks like authentication or database queries.

This keeps your app organized and reduces the need for extra backend services.

Key Points

• Route handlers live in app/your-route/route.js or route.ts.
• They export functions named after HTTP methods like GET, POST, etc.
• They handle requests and send responses directly.
• They let you build backend logic inside your Next.js app easily.

Key Takeaways

Route handlers manage HTTP requests for specific routes inside Next.js apps.

They export functions named after HTTP methods like GET or POST.

Use them to build backend features without a separate server.

Route handlers live in the app folder under route.js or route.ts files.

They simplify adding APIs and server logic directly in your Next.js project.