NEXT router.back() -> pass data: The Ultimate Guide to Seamless Navigation

Are you tired of navigating through your NEXT.js application, only to lose crucial data when clicking the back button? Do you want to provide a seamless user experience, where your users can effortlessly move between pages without losing their progress? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of NEXT router.back() and explore how to pass data between pages, ensuring a smooth and intuitive navigation experience.

What is NEXT router.back()?

The NEXT router.back() function is a built-in method in NEXT.js that allows you to navigate back to the previous page in the browser’s history stack. This function is often used when you want to return to the previous page after completing a specific action, such as submitting a form or canceling an operation.

import { useRouter } from 'next/router';

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

  const handleClick = () => {
    router.back();
  };

  return (
    

      Go back
    
  );
}

The Problem: Losing Data on Navigation

One of the most significant issues with using NEXT router.back() is that it doesn’t preserve the state of your application. When you navigate back to a previous page, all the data associated with that page is lost. This can be frustrating for users, especially when they’ve invested time and effort into filling out forms or completing complex operations.

Imagine a scenario where a user is filling out a long form, and they accidentally click the back button, losing all their progress. This can lead to a poor user experience, resulting in decreased engagement and increased bounce rates.

The Solution: Passing Data with NEXT router.back()

Luckily, there are ways to pass data between pages when using NEXT router.back(). One approach is to use the built-in useState hook to store data in the component’s state. When the user navigates back, you can retrieve the stored data and rehydrate the component’s state.

import { useState } from 'react';
import { useRouter } from 'next/router';

function MyComponent() {
  const router = useRouter();
  const [formData, setFormData] = useState({});

  const handleFormChange = (event) => {
    setFormData((prevFormData) => ({ ...prevFormData, [event.target.name]: event.target.value }));
  };

  const handleClick = () => {
    // Store the form data in local storage before navigating back
    localStorage.setItem('formData', JSON.stringify(formData));
    router.back();
  };

  return (
    

      

        
          Name:
          
        
        
          Email:
          
        
        Go back
      
    
  );
}

In this example, we store the form data in the component’s state using the useState hook. When the user clicks the back button, we store the form data in local storage using the localStorage API. When the user navigates back to the previous page, we can retrieve the stored data and rehydrate the component’s state.

Alternative Approaches

While using local storage to pass data between pages works, it’s not the only approach. Here are some alternative methods to consider:

• URL Parameters

  You can pass data as URL parameters when navigating back. This can be achieved by using the useRouter hook to create a URL with query parameters.

  import { useRouter } from 'next/router';
  
  function MyComponent() {
    const router = useRouter();
  
    const handleClick = () => {
      router.push({
        pathname: '/',
        query: { formData: JSON.stringify(formData) },
      });
    };
  
    return (
      
  
        Go back
      
    );
  }
  

• Context API

  You can use the Context API to share data between components. This approach is useful when you need to pass complex data structures or large amounts of data.

  import { createContext, useState } from 'react';
  
  const FormDataContext = createContext();
  
  function FormDataProvider({ children }) {
    const [formData, setFormData] = useState({});
  
    return (
      
        {children}
      
    );
  }
  
  function MyComponent() {
    const { formData, setFormData } = useContext(FormDataContext);
  
    const handleClick = () => {
      setFormData(formData);
      router.back();
    };
  
    return (
      
  
        Go back
      
    );
  }
  

Best Practices for Passing Data

When passing data between pages using NEXT router.back(), it’s essential to follow best practices to ensure a seamless user experience:

1. Validate User Input

   Always validate user input to prevent errors and inconsistencies in the data being passed.

2. Use Serializability

   Ensure that the data being passed is serializable, meaning it can be converted to a string and back to its original form without losing its structure or composition.

3. Handle Data Loss

   Implement mechanisms to handle data loss or corruption during navigation. This can include using fallback values or default states.

4. Use Secure Storage

   When storing sensitive data, use secure storage mechanisms such as encrypted local storage or secure cookies.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve explored the world of NEXT router.back() and learned how to pass data between pages, ensuring a seamless user experience. By following best practices and considering alternative approaches, you can provide a robust and intuitive navigation experience for your users. Remember to always validate user input, use serializability, handle data loss, and use secure storage to ensure the integrity of your application’s data.

Approach	Description
Local Storage	Store data in local storage before navigating back
URL Parameters	Pass data as URL parameters when navigating back
Context API	Share data between components using the Context API

By mastering the art of passing data with NEXT router.back(), you’ll be able to create applications that provide a seamless user experience, resulting in increased engagement, loyalty, and ultimately, business success.

So, what are you waiting for? Start optimizing your NEXT.js application today and provide your users with a navigation experience they’ll never forget!

Frequently Asked Question

Get the inside scoop on navigating router.back() and passing data like a pro!