Page “/blog/[slug]” is missing “generateStaticParams()” . Solution

Git issues/54393

I was trying to create a static build for a blog focused Nextjs application (v 14.0.4). After configuring next.config.js with { output: ‘export’, } while I was trying to create a build with npm run dev I encountered an error

Page “/research-and-media/[slug]” is missing “generateStaticParams()” so it cannot be used with “output: export” config.

So I did some research and found some aspects before nextjs is fixing the error soon as they mentioned in the git issue 54393 page.

Understanding `generateStaticParams()

In the evolving landscape of web development, static site generation has become a cornerstone for building fast, secure, and scalable websites. This approach pre-renders pages at build time, offering benefits like improved load times, better SEO, and reduced server load. Within this context, the `generateStaticParams()` function emerges as a powerful tool for developers, especially when working with frameworks like Next.js or Nuxt.js, which support static site generation. This blog post delves into the intricacies of `generateStaticParams()`, its applications, and best practices to maximize its potential.

Sample

// app/posts/[params]/page.js

// this should run in server
// Return a list of `params` to populate the [slug] dynamic segment
export async function generateStaticParams() {
  const posts = await fetch('https://.../posts').then((res) => res.json())
 
  return posts.map((post) => ({
    slug: post.slug,
  }))
}
 
// Multiple versions of this page will be statically generated
// using the `params` returned by `generateStaticParams`
export default function Page({ params }) {
  const { slug } = params
  
  return (
  <ClientComponent/>
)
}

What is `generateStaticParams()`?

`generateStaticParams()` is a hypothetical function that you might encounter in the context of static site generation in modern web development frameworks. While the exact name and implementation can vary between frameworks, the concept remains consistent: it’s a function used to specify parameters for generating static pages during the build process.

In frameworks like Next.js, a similar function known as `getStaticPaths()` exists, which serves to define a list of paths to be statically generated. This function is essential when you have dynamic routes and need to pre-render pages using static generation.

How Does `generateStaticParams()` Work?

The `generateStaticParams()` function works by returning a list of parameters that the static site generator uses to create static pages for each possible state or route of your application. For instance, if you’re building a blog, `generateStaticParams()` could return a list of blog post IDs, and the static site generator would then generate a static page for each post.

The function typically involves:

1. Fetching a list of items (like blog post slugs, product IDs, etc.) from a database or an API.
2. Mapping these items into an array of parameters.
3. Returning this array so the static site generator can use it to generate pages.

When you should not use generateStaticParams()

In the context of Next.js, the function getStaticPaths serves a similar purpose to the hypothetical generateStaticParams() we discussed. While getStaticPaths is essential for defining the paths to be pre-rendered at build time for dynamic routes, there are instances where its use might not be the best approach. For websites or applications with content that changes very frequently, such as live news updates, real-time sports scores, or active social media feeds, static generation might not be ideal. This is because once a page is built, its content remains unchanged until the next build, potentially leading to stale information being presented to the user.

Furthermore, if your application has a vast number of dynamic pages (e.g., a large e-commerce site with thousands of product pages), generating a static page for each one at build time could significantly increase build durations and complicate deployment processes. In such scenarios, leveraging Next.js’s Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR) feature or opting for Server-Side Rendering (SSR) with getServerSideProps might be more suitable. These approaches allow for dynamic content fetching and rendering, ensuring that users always receive the most current content without the need for constant rebuilds.

Applications of `generateStaticParams()`

The applications of `generateStaticParams()` are vast and varied, depending on the nature of your web project:

- Blogs and Portfolios: For blogs, portfolios, or any content-driven site, `generateStaticParams()` can generate unique pages for each article, project, or piece of content.
- E-commerce Sites: In e-commerce platforms, it can be used to create individual product pages or category pages, ensuring each product is accessible through a static page.
- Event Listings: For event websites, it can generate pages for each event, making information accessible and shareable.
- User Profiles: In platforms with user-generated content, static pages for user profiles can be pre-rendered, enhancing privacy and performance.

Best Practices

To leverage `generateStaticParams()` effectively, consider the following best practices:

Optimize Data Fetching: Minimize the amount of data fetched in `generateStaticParams()`. Consider only fetching essential data needed for generating the paths.
Incremental Static Regeneration: Utilize features like Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR) to update static content post-build without regenerating the entire site.
Fallback Pages: Implement fallback pages for scenarios where a static page for a new or unanticipated route hasn’t been generated yet.
Caching and CDN: Use caching and a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to serve static pages, reducing load times and server strain.

By understanding and implementing this function effectively, developers can harness the full potential of static site generation to build websites that are not only fast and secure but also dynamic and content-rich. As web technologies continue to evolve, mastering tools like `generateStaticParams()` will be crucial for developers looking to stay at the forefront of web development trends and best practices.