Host a Next.js SSR React app on Cloud Functions for Firebase with Firebase Hosting
Overview
The document provides a guide on hosting an SSR Next.js app on Cloud Functions using Firebase Hosting. It explains how to leverage Firebase’s developer experience to achieve a low-cost, auto-scaling SSR app setup. By rewriting routes to a Cloud Function serving the Next.js app, users can host their SSR app on a Firebase Hosting URL seamlessly.
Features
- Server-Side Rendering with Next.js: Enables SSR for React with features like Hot-Module Reloading, client-side routing, route-level code splitting, and prefetching.
- Cost-Effective and Auto-Scaling: Leveraging Cloud Functions and Firebase Hosting for a scalable and low-cost hosting solution.
- Integration with Firebase: Utilizes Firebase Hosting to rewrite routes to Cloud Functions for serving Server-Side Rendered Next.js app.
Installation
- Login to Firebase CLI: Use Firebase CLI as a dev-dependency for a smoother development experience.
- Next.js Development: Standard development practices for Next.js with features like Hot-Module Reloading.
- Local Testing: Ensure a valid Firebase project id in the .firebaserc file for testing.
- Deploy to Firebase: Connect and deploy the project to your Firebase project following specified steps.
- Clean Dist Folder: Ensure a clean deployment by cleaning the dist folder after deployment.
- Code Compatibility: Compatibility tested on Ubuntu 17.04 with Bash for execution.
Summary
The guide offers a comprehensive walkthrough on hosting an SSR Next.js app on Cloud Functions using Firebase Hosting. By following the steps outlined, users can set up a cost-effective, auto-scaling SSR app experience, overcoming challenges typically faced when hosting SSR on Firebase. It emphasizes leveraging tools like Firebase CLI and Next.js to achieve seamless integration and efficient deployment.
