Fixing Next.js Routing Issues in Google Chrome

Discover how to resolve Next.js routing issues that occur exclusively in Google Chrome, ensuring smooth navigation experiences across all browsers.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/66522959/ asked by the user 'sylargaf' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/15006497/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/66523032/ provided by the user 'Drew Reese' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/8690857/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Next.js Routing Issues in Google Chrome: A Common Dilemma

If you've ever experienced that frustrating moment when your code works perfectly on one browser but fails on another, you're not alone. This is particularly common in web development, especially with frameworks like Next.js. You may find yourself puzzled: "Why does my Next.js application work just fine in every browser except Google Chrome?" If this strikes a chord, don’t worry! This guide will walk you through the issue and share a solution.

The Problem: Routing Error in Chrome

In a typical web application built with Next.js, routing should be seamless across all browsers. However, a user recently reported a specific problem with their application:

The application uses Next.js for navigation through a form.

The query parameters were being pushed correctly, but the pathname itself wasn't updating in Google Chrome.

This can lead to a scenario where, despite successfully updating the query, users are left trapped on the same page instead of being directed to another, leading to a frustrating experience that can impact user engagement.

Analyzing the Code

Let’s take a closer look at the relevant portion of the Next.js code in question:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

In this code snippet, when a user submits the form, the intention is to redirect them to a new page based on the selected city. However, this approach can lead to issues in certain browsers if a specific condition isn't met.

The Solution: Preventing Default Behavior

The root cause of the problem lies in the default behavior of HTML forms. When a form is submitted, the browser's default action is to reload the page. This interferes with the routing logic you’ve implemented using Router.push. To fix this issue, you need to prevent the default form submission.

Here’s how to adjust your code:

Modify the handleSubmit function to accept the event object.

Use event.preventDefault() to stop the default form submission.

Proceed with the routing logic as intended.

Updated Code:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The Fixed Logic:

Preventing Default Behavior: By intercepting the submit event and calling preventDefault, you ensure that the page doesn’t refresh unexpectedly when the form is submitted.

Intended Navigation: After preventing the default, your routing via Router.push can function as intended, leading users to the specified page without interruption.

Conclusion

Dealing with browser-specific issues can be perplexing, but understanding how the browser handles form submissions can save you time and headaches. By preventing default form behavior in your Next.js application, you can ensure a smooth user experience across all browsers, including Google Chrome.

If you encounter any further complexities or need additional help, feel free to reach out to the community or consult the Next.js documentation. Happy coding, and may your transitions be ever seamless!