Next.js Route Handlers

Creating custom request handlers for a given route using the Web Request and Response APIs.

Edit Concept ✏️

Next.js Route Handlers

Route Handlers allow you to create custom request handlers for a given route using the Web Request and Response APIs. They are the App Router’s equivalent of API Routes.

Key Characteristics

  • File-based: Defined in route.ts or route.js files.
  • HTTP Methods: Supported methods include GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, and OPTIONS.
  • Edge & Node.js Runtimes: Can run in either runtime, depending on configuration.
  • Caching: GET requests are cached by default unless they use dynamic functions (like cookies()) or are explicitly opted out.
  • Conflict: A route.ts file cannot exist in the same folder as a page.ts file.