Introduction

This note summarizes how to use Error Boundaries in a Next.js application for robust error handling.

What are Error Boundaries?

Error Boundaries in React and Next.js are components that catch JavaScript errors in their child component tree and provide a fallback UI or perform side effects like logging the error.

Approaches to Using Error Boundaries in Next.js

1. Global Error Handling in _app.js

Description

• Wrapping the main Component prop in pages/_app.js with an Error Boundary provides a global safety net.

Pros

• Simplified setup with only one Error Boundary.
• Catches errors from any part of the application.

Cons

• Less granularity in error handling.
• Single fallback UI for all errors.

2. Component-Level Error Boundaries

Description

• Wrapping individual components or sections with their own Error Boundaries for more granular control.

Pros

• Granular control over error handling.
• Custom fallback UIs for different scenarios.

Cons

• Increased complexity due to multiple Error Boundaries.
• Potential for redundancy.

Using Both Approaches

Description

• You can use both global and component-level Error Boundaries.

Behavior

• The closest Error Boundary to the component that throws an error will catch it.

Pros

• Maximum robustness and flexibility.

Cons

• Increased complexity.

Summary

Error Boundaries offer a robust mechanism for handling errors in Next.js applications. You can opt for a global Error Boundary in _app.js, use component-level Error Boundaries, or even use a combination of both based on your application's needs.