Exploring advanced Next.js routing conventions

Next.js, a popular React framework, initially gained a competitive edge with its built-in file-system-based routing system, eliminating the need for third-party routing libraries. Over the years, Vercel's team has enhanced this system, introducing significant features such as API routes in Next.js 9 and the App Router in Next.js 13. The App Router supports both client and server-side rendering and includes advanced routing features like parallel and intercepting routes. Parallel routes allow multiple pages to render simultaneously within a single layout, beneficial for complex applications like dashboards, while intercepting routes enable embedding routes from different application parts, functioning like middleware to overlay existing layouts with modals. These advanced routing mechanisms offer greater flexibility and user experience improvements, though they require some learning to master. Additionally, tools like LogRocket provide enhanced debugging capabilities for Next.js applications by capturing detailed logs and user session data.