Next.js Authentication with Clerk: Streamlined SSR Handling

Jacob Evans

Discover streamlined Next.js authentication with Clerk, simplifying SSR for efficient user data handling in web development.

In the ever-evolving world of web development, streamlining tasks is paramount. Clerk, the versatile User Management platform, presents a contemporary way to manage user data in Next.js applications, leaving behind the complexity of old patterns for server-side rendering (SSR). Let's explore the key differences and the value of this new approach with basic code snippets.

Navigating Next.js SSR: The Previous Approach

Previously, incorporating Clerk in a Next.js app involved intricate setups and token management. Here's a reminder of what the deprecated approach looks like

Deprecated approach1
import { withServerSideAuth } from "@clerk/nextjs/ssr";
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export const getServerSideProps = withServerSideAuth(({ req, resolvedUrl }) => {
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  const { sessionId } = req.auth;
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  if (!sessionId) {
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    return { redirect: { destination: "/sign-in?redirect_url=" + resolvedUrl } };
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  }
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  return { props: {} };
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});

The New Way: Streamlined Handling

These are just a few examples of the new streamlined approaches. If you are looking for a more comprehensive breakdown of the best way to read session data in your Next.js app using the Pages Router or App Router, please reference the docs.

SSR in App Router – Server Component

The modern Clerk approach in App Router simplifies user data handling with straightforward helper functions. Here's a snippet of the new approach:

NextJS new approach - App Router 1
import { currentUser } from '@clerk/nextjs';
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export default async function Example() {
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  const user = await currentUser();
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  return (
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    <div>
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      Hello {user.firstName}, your ID is {user.id}
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    </div>
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  );
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}

SSR in Pages Router

If you are using the Pages Router, you can find more detailed examples beyond this basic snippet in the docs.

NextJS new approach - Pages Router 1
import { getAuth, buildClerkProps } from "@clerk/nextjs/server";
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import { GetServerSideProps } from "next";
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export const getServerSideProps: GetServerSideProps = async (ctx) => {
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  const { userId } = getAuth(ctx.req);
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  if (!userId) {
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    // handle user is not logged in.
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  }
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  // Load any data your application needs for the page using the userId
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  return { props: { ...buildClerkProps(ctx.req) } };
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};

The Value of the New Approach

Simplicity: The new approaches offer a cleaner, more straightforward codebase for effortless data access.
Efficiency: Data access becomes a breeze.
Improved Workflow: Focus on building features, not grappling with complex User Management setups.
Maintainability: A tidy codebase equals easier maintenance and fewer debugging hassles.

Dive headfirst into Clerk's innovative approach to supercharge your development process, ensuring your apps are always at the cutting edge. This newfound simplicity isn't just for show; it's here to make your work smoother, your code cleaner, and your applications more maintainable. And what's even more exciting? This flexibility isn't confined to one corner of your project; it stretches its arms to Route Handlers as well, making it the perfect fit for the demands of modern web development.

Ready to Implement Authentication in Your App?

Don't hesitate to explore our Next.js Clerk Docs for a quick and comprehensive guide on integrating Clerk’s User Management into your application within minutes, not days.

For more in-depth technical inquiries or to engage with our community, feel free to join our Discord. Stay in the loop with the latest Clerk features, enhancements, and sneak peeks by following our Twitter account, @ClerkDev. Your journey to seamless User Management starts here!