Full-Stack Power: Combining Next.js with Laravel

The Best of Both Worlds

Combining Next.js for the frontend with Laravel for the backend creates a powerful full-stack solution that leverages the strengths of both technologies.

Architecture Overview

Next.js Frontend (React) → Laravel API Backend → Database

Setting Up the Integration

1. Create your Laravel API:

// routes/api.php
Route::get('/posts', [PostController::class, 'index']);

// app/Http/Controllers/PostController.php
public function index()
{
    return Post::all();
}

2. Fetch from Next.js:

// pages/index.js
export async function getServerSideProps() {
  const res = await fetch('https://api.yoursite.com/posts');
  const posts = await res.json();

  return { props: { posts } };
}

function HomePage({ posts }) {
  return (
    <ul>
      {posts.map(post => (
        <li key={post.id}>{post.title}</li>
      ))}
    </ul>
  );
}

Benefits of This Stack

• Next.js provides excellent frontend performance and SEO

• Laravel offers a robust, secure backend with minimal boilerplate

• Separation of concerns between frontend and backend

• Scalability as both technologies can scale independently

Authentication Flow Example

Use Laravel Sanctum for API tokens:

// Laravel
Route::post('/login', [AuthController::class, 'login']);

// Next.js
await fetch('/api/login', {
  method: 'POST',
  body: JSON.stringify({ email, password })
});

This combination provides developers with a complete toolkit for building modern, performant web applications with a clear separation between frontend and backend concerns.