LESSON 01 / 9·2 min readIntermediate

App Router vs Pages Router?

Try code in the playground
01 Understand02 Recall03 Prepare

Understand the concept

Next.js provides two routing systems: the Pages Router organizes page files, while the App Router uses nested route segments, layouts and React Server Components. They have different data-fetching and rendering conventions. Knowing which router a project uses prevents mixing APIs and assumptions from different architectures.

Important ideas

  • App Router uses the app directory, nested layouts and Server Components.

  • Pages Router uses the pages directory and page-based rendering APIs.

  • Check which router and Next.js version the project uses before discussing caching behavior.

  • Server and client boundaries are a central App Router concept; route code must follow the conventions of its actual directory.

PAUSE & RECALL

Can you explain it without the notes?

App Router vs Pages Router?

Use your own words. Explain an example and one limitation before checking the explanation.

Check your explanation

Next.js provides two routing systems: the Pages Router organizes page files, while the App Router uses nested route segments, layouts and React Server Components. They have different data-fetching and rendering conventions. Knowing which router a project uses prevents mixing APIs and assumptions from different architectures.

CONNECT IT TO YOUR INTERVIEW

Turn this concept into a clear answer.

  • State the router and version before explaining framework-specific caching or rendering behavior.
Practice this concept
YOUR NEXT STEP

Keep connecting the ideas.

Next lesson: Server Component vs Client Component?

Adapted from 06_REACT_NEXTJS.md · “App Router vs Pages Router?”. Examples are study fragments; framework behavior can depend on your version.