name: clerk-nextjs-patterns
description: Advanced Next.js patterns - middleware, Server Actions, caching with Clerk.
license: MIT
allowed-tools: WebFetch
metadata:
author: clerk
version: "1.0.0"

Next.js Patterns

For basic setup, see setup/.

Impact Levels

• CRITICAL - Breaking bugs, security holes
• HIGH - Common mistakes
• MEDIUM - Optimization

References

Mental Model

Server vs Client = different auth APIs:
- Server: await auth() from @clerk/nextjs/server (async!)
- Client: useAuth() hook from @clerk/nextjs (sync)

Never mix them. Server Components use server imports, Client Components use hooks.

Minimal Pattern

// Server Component
import { auth } from '@clerk/nextjs/server'

export default async function Page() {
  const { userId } = await auth()  // MUST await!
  if (!userId) return <p>Not signed in</p>
  return <p>Hello {userId}</p>
}

Common Pitfalls

See Also

• setup/
• managing-orgs/

Docs

Next.js SDK