What should I check before deploying Next.js?

Definition:

Deploying Next.js means matching the application's rendering and server features with the hosting environment. A static export cannot provide every capability that requires a running server. Configuration, secrets, cache behavior and protected-route handling must therefore be checked in the actual deployment mode.

Key points:

• Confirm the host supports the server features the app uses.

• Keep secrets out of browser bundles and verify environment settings.

• Check image sizes, cache rules, error states and direct navigation to protected pages.

• Verify deep links, refreshes and authentication after deployment, not only client navigation from the home page.

Interview point:

• Build success proves compilation, while deployment verification proves the required runtime behavior.