Router Query Parameters in Next.js: With Examples And Use Cases

Next.js offers a powerful routing system that allows developers to create dynamic and user-friendly applications. One of the key features of this system is the ability to use query parameters in URLs to pass data and control application behavior. This guide will delve into the world of router query parameters in Next.js, providing code examples and real-life use cases to illustrate their potential.

What are Router Query Parameters?

Router query parameters are key-value pairs appended to a URL after the question mark (?). They allow you to pass additional information to the server or client-side code for processing. Consider the following URL:

https://example.com/products?category=electronics&page=2

In this example, the URL contains two query parameters:

category: with value "electronics"

page: with value "2"

These parameters can be accessed and used by the application to filter products based on the specified category and display the second page of results.

Accessing Query Parameters in Next.js

Next.js provides several ways to access and utilize query parameters within your application. Here are the most common methods:

1. Using the router object:

The router object is available in all Next.js components and provides access to various routing information, including query parameters. You can access the query parameters using the query property of the router object:

import { useRouter } from 'next/router';


const MyComponent = () => {
  const router = useRouter();
  const category = router.query.category;
  const page = router.query.page;


  return (
    <div>
      <h1>Products in Category: {category}</h1>
      <p>Page: {page}</p>
    </div>
  );
};


export default MyComponent;

2. Using the useRouter hook:

The useRouter hook provides a convenient way to access the router object within functional components:

import { useRouter } from 'next/router';


const MyComponent = () => {
  const { query } = useRouter();
  const category = query.category;
  const page = query.page;


  return (
    <div>
      <h1>Products in Category: {category}</h1>
      <p>Page: {page}</p>
    </div>
  );
};


export default MyComponent;

3. Using the Link component:

The Link component allows you to create links that automatically update the URL and query parameters:

import Link from 'next/link';


<Link href="/products?category=electronics&page=2">
  <a>Electronics - Page 2</a>
</Link>

Real-Life Use Cases

Router query parameters offer a wide range of applications in Next.js development. Here are some common use cases:

1. Pagination:

Query parameters can be used to implement pagination, allowing users to navigate through multiple pages of data. The page parameter can be used to specify the current page to display.

2. Filtering and Sorting:

Query parameters can be used to filter and sort data based on user-defined criteria. For example, a category parameter can be used to filter products by category, and a sort parameter can be used to sort products by price or popularity.

3. Search Functionality:

Query parameters can be used to capture search terms and pass them to the server or client-side code for processing. This allows users to search for specific data within the application.

4. Passing Data between Pages:

Query parameters can be used to pass data between pages, such as passing product details from a product listing page to a product details page.

5. Dynamic Routing:

Query parameters can be used to create dynamic routes that adapt to user input. For example, a route like /products/:category can be used to display products belonging to a specific category.

6. Tracking and Analytics:

Query parameters can be used to track user interactions and gather analytics data. For example, a utm_source parameter can be used to track the source of traffic to a particular page.

Conclusion

Router query parameters are a powerful and versatile tool in Next.js development. By understanding how to access and utilize them, you can create dynamic and user-friendly applications that meet a wide range of requirements. From implementing pagination and filtering to passing data between pages and tracking user interactions, query parameters offer a plethora of possibilities. This guide has provided just a glimpse into the world of query parameters in Next.js, encouraging you to explore their full potential and leverage them to build exceptional web experiences.