Next.js 14 Router Push from next/navigation: Unraveling the Mystery

Are you tired of scratching your head over why the Next.js 14 router push from next/navigation doesn’t work as the Link component? You’re not alone! Many developers have stumbled upon this issue, and it’s time to shine some light on this pesky problem.

What’s the Difference Between router.push and Link?

Before we dive into the solution, let’s quickly recap the difference between `router.push` and the `Link` component.

• router.push: A method provided by Next.js to programmatically navigate to a new URL. It’s typically used when you need to redirect the user based on some conditional logic or API responses.
• Link component: A built-in component in Next.js that allows you to create client-side links between pages. It’s used to create anchor tags (<a>) that enable client-side routing.

In most cases, you’d expect `router.push` to work similarly to the `Link` component, but that’s not always the case in Next.js 14.

The Issue: router.push from next/navigation Fails to Work

When you try to use `router.push` from the `next/navigation` module, you might encounter an issue where it doesn’t work as expected. This is because `next/navigation` uses a different underlying mechanism to handle navigation, which can cause conflicts with the `router` instance.

Here’s an example of the issue:

import { useRouter } from 'next/navigation';

const MyComponent = () => {
  const router = useRouter();

  const handleClick = () => {
    router.push('/about');
  };

  return (
    

      Go to About Page
    
  );
};

In this example, clicking the button should redirect the user to the `/about` page. However, you might find that it doesn’t work, or it redirects to a different page altogether.

Why Does it Happen?

The issue arises because `next/navigation` uses a new navigation API that’s incompatible with the `router` instance from `next/router`. When you use `router.push` from `next/navigation`, it tries to use the new navigation API, which doesn’t work as expected.

To understand why, let’s take a closer look at the new navigation API in Next.js 14.

New Navigation API in Next.js 14

In Next.js 14, the navigation API has undergone significant changes. The new API is designed to provide better performance, improved error handling, and enhanced security features.

One of the key differences is the introduction of a new ` Navigation` object, which replaces the traditional `router` instance. The `Navigation` object provides a more explicit way of handling navigation, allowing you to define custom navigation behaviors.

However, this new API can cause conflicts with the `router` instance, leading to issues like the one we’re discussing.

Solution: Using the Correct Router Instance

So, how can you make `router.push` work correctly from `next/navigation`? The solution is surprisingly simple.

Instead of using the `router` instance from `next/navigation`, you need to import the `useRouter` hook from `next/router` and use that instance.

import { useRouter } from 'next/router';

const MyComponent = () => {
  const router = useRouter();

  const handleClick = () => {
    router.push('/about');
  };

  return (
    

      Go to About Page
    
  );
};

By using the `useRouter` hook from `next/router`, you can ensure that you’re working with the correct `router` instance, which is compatible with the `router.push` method.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when working with `router.push` and the `Link` component:

• When using `router.push`, make sure you’re using the correct URL format. If you’re trying to navigate to a relative URL, use the `url` prop instead of the `pathname` prop.
• Avoid using `router.push` in conjunction with the `Link` component. Instead, use the `Link` component for client-side links and reserve `router.push` for programmatic navigation.
• If you’re experiencing issues with `router.push` and the `Link` component, try using the `useHref` hook from `next/router` to generate a URL that’s compatible with both.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve explored the issue of why `router.push` from `next/navigation` doesn’t work as the `Link` component in Next.js 14. We’ve also discussed the solution, which involves using the correct `router` instance from `next/router`.

By following these guidelines and understanding the differences between `router.push` and the `Link` component, you can ensure seamless navigation in your Next.js applications.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about `router.push` and the `Link` component:

Q	A
What’s the difference between router.push and the Link component?	The Link component is used for client-side links, while router.push is used for programmatic navigation.
Why doesn’t router.push work from next/navigation?	It’s because next/navigation uses a new navigation API that’s incompatible with the router instance from next/router.
How can I make router.push work correctly from next/navigation?	Use the useRouter hook from next/router instead of next/navigation.

We hope this article has helped you overcome the hurdle of using `router.push` from `next/navigation` in Next.js 14. Happy coding!

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