Most Next.js tutorials are fluff. They show you "Hello World" and leave you to drown in configuration hell when you try to add testing or linting. Not today. We are building a production-grade setup that won't break when you look at it wrong.
If you're still manually formatting code or hoping your tests pass in CI, you're doing it wrong. Automation isn't a luxury; it's the only way to scale without losing your mind. Whether you're a solopreneur or hiring engineers, this foundation is non-negotiable.
Step 1: The Foundation (VSCode & Project Init)
First, stop using Notepad. Get VSCode. Install ESLint and Prettier plugins immediately. Then fire up your terminal.
Select the defaults. We use Yarn because npm is... fine, but Yarn is better for this. This gives you a skeleton. Now let's put some muscle on it.
Step 2: Automated Code Quality (The Armor)
Humans are bad at consistent formatting. Robots are great at it. Let's force Prettier and ESLint to play nice together.
Create .prettierrc.js in root:
Update .eslintrc.json:
Now your editor yells at you when you write messy code. Good.
Step 3: The UI Framework (The Weapons)
We're using Chakra UI. It's accessible, composable, and doesn't look like Bootstrap from 2015. If you prefer Tailwind, fine, but Chakra gives you velocity.
Step 4: Testing That Actually Works (The Safety Net)
Unit Testing with Vitest
Jest is heavy. Vitest is fast. We don't have time to wait for tests.
Create vitest.config.ts:
Pro Tip: Place your tests in a __tests__ folder. It keeps your clean architecture clean.
E2E Testing with Playwright
Cypress is okay. Playwright is better. It handles multiple tabs, creates traceable artifacts, and doesn't flake out every Tuesday.
Step 5: The Gatekeeper (Husky & Lint-staged)
This is where most teams fail. They set up tools but forget to enforce them. We use Husky to ensure nobody commits garbage code.
Create .lintstagedrc.js:
Now, every time you try to commit, Husky checks your code. If it stinks, the commit fails. Brutal? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Next.js 12 and not 13/14 app router?
Stability. While newer versions are shiny, Next.js 12 pages router remains the rock-solid choice for enterprise applications that cannot afford experimental bugs. Many large codebases still rely on this architecture for its proven reliability and vast ecosystem compatibility.
Is TypeScript strictly necessary?
Yes. In 2026, building without TypeScript is professional negligence. It catches 15-20% of bugs before runtime and serves as self-documenting code. The initial localized learning curve pays off exponentially in maintenance savings. Don't be lazy.
Why use Vitest over Jest?
Speed and simplicity. Vitest is built on Vite, meaning it initiates almost instantly. It shares configuration with your build tool, reducing config bloat. For modern React applications, it provides a superior developer experience with faster feedback loops.
Stop Coding Like It's 2015
You have the blueprint. A robust, automated, tested environment that lets you focus on features, not firefighting. If you skip these steps, don't complain when your production build fails on a Friday afternoon.
But setting up the stack is just component one. You need the right people to drive it. Read our guide on screening developers to find engineers who actually respect this level of quality.
Now go build something unbreakable.
Need React Developers Who Get This?
We don't hire junior devs who break builds. We connect you with senior pre-vetted engineers who live and breathe code quality.
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