Deploying Next.js to Production

Deployment is where your application meets the real world. Here's everything you need for a smooth, professional deployment.

Option 1: Vercel (Recommended)

Vercel is made by the Next.js team and offers the smoothest deployment experience.

1. Push to GitHub
2. Connect to Vercel
3. Set environment variables
4. Deploy!

Benefits: Automatic previews, edge network, ISR support, analytics.

## Option 2: Docker + VPS

For more control, deploy with Docker:

``dockerfile
FROM node:20-alpine AS base
WORKDIR /app
COPY package*.json ./
RUN npm ci --only=production

FROM base AS builder
COPY . .
RUN npm run build

FROM base AS runner
COPY --from=builder /app/.next ./.next
COPY --from=builder /app/public ./public
CMD ["npm", "start"]
``

## Environment Variables

Never commit secrets. Use:
- Vercel Environment Variables
- AWS Secrets Manager
- HashiCorp Vault

## Performance Checklist

- Enable HTTP/2
- Configure CDN for static assets
- Set proper cache headers
- Monitor with Vercel Analytics or Datadog

## Zero-Downtime Deployments

Use rolling deployments or blue-green deployment strategies for zero-downtime updates.