Next.js Get Started

Let's create a real Next.js 16 project. It takes about two minutes.

Step 1: Install Node.js

Next.js runs on Node.js. Next.js 16 needs Node.js 20.9 or newer. Download it from nodejs.org and install it, then check the version in your terminal:

Step 2: Create a project

The official tool is create-next-app. Run this command and answer the questions (the defaults are good):

In Next.js 16 the setup is simpler and the new project comes with the App Router, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, and ESLint ready to go. When it finishes, move into the folder it created:

Step 3: Start the development server

Run the dev server. Next.js 16 uses Turbopack by default, so start-up and refreshes are fast — no extra setup needed:

Now open http://localhost:3000 in your browser. You should see the starter page. Leave this command running while you work; the page updates automatically every time you save a file.

Step 4: Edit your first page

Open the file app/page.tsx and change the text inside it. Save, and watch the browser update instantly.

export default function Home() {
  return <h1>Hello Next.js 16!</h1>;
}