Crafting Custom 404 Pages in Next.js 14: Enhancing User Experience

In any web application, error pages play a crucial role in maintaining a seamless user experience. When users encounter a 404 error, it's essential to provide them with helpful guidance and a clear path forward. With Next.js 14, creating custom 404 pages has become more straightforward and versatile, allowing developers to tailor the error page to match the application's design and functionality

Understanding Next.js 14 and Error Handling

Next.js 14, the latest version of the popular React framework, introduces several enhancements, including improved error handling capabilities. Among these enhancements is the ability to create custom 404 pages using the `notFound` function.

When a route segment throws a `notFound` error, Next.js automatically renders the custom UI defined in the `not-found.js` or `not-found.tsx` file. This file serves as the designated location for crafting the user interface that users will see when they encounter a 404 error.

Crafting a Custom 404 Page

Let's dive into the process of creating a custom 404 page in Next.js 14:

1. Creating the `not-found.tsx` File:

    In your Next.js application, navigate to the `pages` directory and create a new file named `not-found.tsx`. This file will contain the custom UI for the 404 error page.

    import Link from 'next/link';

    export default function NotFound() {
     return (
        <div>
          <h1>Sorry, Page not found</h1>
          <p>Could not find the requested resource on DevHexSpark</p>
          <Link href="/">Homepage</Link>
        </div>
      );
    }

In this example, we've created a simple UI with a heading, a descriptive message, and a link to return to the home page. Feel free to customize this UI to match your application's design and branding.

2. Handling Unmatched URLs:

    It's important to note that the `not-found.tsx` file not only catches expected `notFound()` errors but also handles any unmatched URLs across your entire application. This ensures that users who visit a URL that is not handled by your app are presented with the custom UI defined in the `not-found.tsx` file.

Conclusion

Custom 404 pages are an essential aspect of web development, providing users with a helpful and user-friendly experience when they encounter a broken or non-existent URL. With Next.js 14, creating custom 404 pages is easier than ever, thanks to the built-in support for the `notFound` function.

By crafting a custom 404 page using Next.js 14, developers can ensure that users receive clear guidance and options for navigating back to the main content of the application. This not only enhances the user experience but also contributes to the overall professionalism and polish of the web application.