Next.js middleware runs before requests are completed. Here's how to use it for authentication, redirects, and more.
Basic Middleware#
Authentication Middleware#
Role-Based Access Control#
Geolocation and Localization#
A/B Testing#
Rate Limiting#
Request/Response Modification#
Combining Multiple Middleware#
Best Practices#
Performance:
✓ Keep middleware fast (runs on every request)
✓ Avoid heavy computations
✓ Use Edge runtime efficiently
✓ Cache when possible
Security:
✓ Validate tokens properly
✓ Sanitize inputs
✓ Set security headers
✓ Handle errors gracefully
Configuration:
✓ Use specific matchers
✓ Exclude static files
✓ Order middleware logically
✓ Test all paths
Conclusion#
Next.js middleware enables powerful request-time logic including authentication, localization, A/B testing, and rate limiting. Keep middleware fast since it runs on every matched request. Use specific matchers to avoid unnecessary execution and combine multiple concerns thoughtfully.