Caching in Next.js Framework

If you are using the Next.js framework to develop static websites and server rendering, it's essential to become acquainted with the caching capabilities of this framework. One of the very important features in Next.js is the ability to control and customize caching (Cache) to provide a better experience for users visiting your site.

Caching in Next.js is done through the file next.config.js. This file allows you to control various settings, the behavior of static files, and API requests. The ability to manage caching grants you the power to coordinate data from the server and various policies for static content. This feature can positively impact the speed of your web application and enhance the user experience significantly.

In this guide, we will examine how to use a Custom Cache Handler. This capability has been introduced in the latest versions of Next.js and allows developers to have more precise control over requests and responses.

One common use of this capability is in managing API responses and optimizing caching behavior. By utilizing this method, you can define the duration of cache validity based on their varying criteria. Additionally, sensitive data can be managed in such a way that users have access only to data related to themselves.

Another benefit of this method is the high-level customization that allows you to implement the most efficient solutions based on your project's needs. For instance, you can prioritize page load speeds for your own website, caching different strategies relative to pages that are accessed less frequently.

Example Code

const nextConfig = {
  async headers() {
    return [
      {
        source: '/api/:path*',
        headers: [
          {
            key: 'Cache-Control',
            value: 'public, max-age=3600',
          },
        ],
      },
    ];
  },
};

module.exports = nextConfig;

Line-by-Line Explanation of the Code