Next.js App Router vs Pages Router Quiz Quiz

Explore the key differences between the Next.js App Router and Pages Router with this quiz, designed to boost your understanding of routing concepts, features, and strengths in modern web frameworks. Perfect for developers seeking practical insights and a deeper grasp of routing methods, layouts, and data fetching strategies.

1. Directory Structure Difference

   Which directory is used in the file system to define routes when using the App Router in Next.js, as opposed to the Pages Router?

   1. app
   2. source
   3. pages
   4. routes

   Explanation: The correct answer is 'app' because the App Router uses the 'app' directory to configure routes. 'pages' refers to the traditional Pages Router's directory. The options 'source' and 'routes' are incorrect because they are not used for routing configuration in either approach. Mixing up the directory names can result in incorrect routing behavior.

2. Data Fetching Methods

   In the context of data fetching, which method is primarily introduced with the App Router for server-side data fetching in a component?

   1. fetch
   2. getStaticProps
   3. useQuery
   4. useEffect

   Explanation: The correct answer is 'fetch' since the App Router leverages the built-in fetch API directly within server components for data fetching. 'getStaticProps' is specific to Pages Router. 'useEffect' is suitable for client-side operations, not server components. 'useQuery' is not a native data fetching method in either system.

3. Nested Layouts Capabilities

   Which routing approach supports native nested layouts to allow different page sections to share their own layouts automatically?

   1. App Router
   2. Pages Router
   3. Static Export
   4. Configuration Router

   Explanation: 'App Router' is correct, as it offers built-in support for nested layouts, enabling advanced composition of page structures. 'Pages Router' does not support native nested layouts; layouts must be implemented manually. 'Static Export' and 'Configuration Router' are not routing solutions that provide nested layout capabilities, making them incorrect here.

4. File-Based Routing Behavior

   When using the Pages Router, which file naming convention allows for dynamic route matching such as /post/123?

   1. {id}.js
   2. id.js
   3. id$.js
   4. [id].js

   Explanation: '[id].js' is the correct answer because it follows the dynamic segment naming convention in Pages Router for variable path sections. '{id}.js' and 'id$.js' are not valid syntax in the routing system. Using 'id.js' would only match a route literally named 'id', not a dynamic value.

5. Client and Server Component Usage

   Which statement best describes how the App Router differs from the Pages Router in component rendering?

   1. Pages Router enforces server-only components with no client support.
   2. App Router allows mixing server and client components, while Pages Router uses only client components.
   3. Pages Router supports both server and client components equally.
   4. App Router requires all components to be client-side.

   Explanation: The App Router enables mixing server and client components for flexible rendering and data fetching. The Pages Router, by default, treats components as client-side, requiring additional configuration for server-side features. Options claiming the App Router is client-only or that both routers handle components in the same way are incorrect. The statement about server-only enforcement in Pages Router is also inaccurate.