Nuxt.js is a development framework based on Vue.js, designed to make it easier to create modern, SEO-optimized web applications. With the release of Nuxt.js 4, the framework brings innovations that further transform this experience, such as “turbo mode” or the native edge server. In this article, we’ll explore the most striking changes and what they mean for developers looking to optimize their web applications.
Nuxt 4 Turbo Mode
One of the most important new features is “Turbo Mode”, which promises up to 10 times faster compilations. This innovation focuses on building and rendering efficiency, allowing developers to see their changes almost instantly, which is essential in large projects with multiple components.
Compatibility with Vue 3.3+
With Vue 3.3 and its updates, Nuxt.js 4 incorporates new features, such as rendering hooks, and makes it easier to implement transitions and animations between routes and components, making the user’s visual experience even more fluid and personalized.
Vite Update and Improved Integration
Nuxt 4 comes with the updated and improved Vite, guaranteeing full support for SSR (Server-Side Rendering) and better integration with modern development tools. The Nuxt + Vite combination offers faster builds and improves the development experience, especially when working with more complex projects.
Native Edge Server
The new version introduces the concept of “Native Edge Server”, which allows applications to be run closer to users, significantly reducing latency and providing a faster, more fluid loading experience. This feature is ideal for global applications, where performance is key.
Enhanced Development Experience
Tools such as Nuxt Devtools have been improved to make it easier to debug, monitor and manage application states. This includes support for route visualization, state tracking and new configuration options.
Performance and SEO improvements
The Nuxt.js team has worked to ensure that Nuxt 4 is faster and more efficient in its use of browser resources, which has a direct impact on the SEO of applications. Optimized module loading and lighter rendering contribute to better scores in SEO and Web Vitals tests.
Comparison: NuxtJS 3 vs NuxtJS 4
Performance
- Nuxt.js 3: Has already brought significant performance improvements with the introduction of Vite and more efficient rendering.
- Nuxt.js 4: Introduces “Turbo Mode”, which increases build speed by up to 10 times, making development and rendering even faster.
Integration with Vite
- Nuxt.js 3: Vite was introduced as an option for quick builds, but with some SSR limitations.
- Nuxt.js 4: Integration with Vite has been improved, with full SSR support, providing a smoother and more agile development experience.
Compatibility with Vue 3.3+
- Nuxt.js 3: Based on Vue 3, but without full support for the features of the latest versions of Vue.
- Nuxt.js 4: Compatible with Vue 3.3 and its updates, bringing new hooks and improvements to transitions and animations.
Development tools
- Nuxt.js 3: Basic monitoring and debugging tools.
- Nuxt.js 4: Introduces the improved Nuxt Devtools, with features such as route visualization, state management and more configuration options.
Edge Server
Nuxt.js 4 offers the native edge server, making the use of edge functions more accessible.
Nuxt.js 3
// nuxt.config.js
export default defineNuxtConfig({
nitro: {
preset: 'vercel-edge'
}
})NuxtJS 4
// nuxt.config.ts
export default defineNuxtConfig({
edge: true // Define diretamente para usar o servidor de borda nativo
})In Nuxt.js 4, just setting edge: true enables the edge server, simplifying the configuration of edge-optimized applications.
Definition of Plugins
In Nuxt.js 4, plugin configuration has become more simplified and modular.
NuxtJS 3
// nuxt.config.js
export default defineNuxtConfig({
plugins: [
'~/plugins/myPlugin.js'
]
})NuxtJS 4
// nuxt.config.ts
export default defineNuxtConfig({
plugins: {
'myPlugin': '~/plugins/myPlugin.ts'
}
})In Nuxt.js 4, plugins can now be defined as an object, offering more control over their load.
Using Nitro for Middleware Configuration
Nuxt.js 4 brings improvements to Nitro, making the creation of middleware and APIs simpler.
NuxtJS 3
// server/middleware/auth.js
export default defineEventHandler((event) => {
// lógica de autenticação
if (!event.context.user) {
throw createError({ statusCode: 401, statusMessage: 'Unauthorized' })
}
})NuxtJS4
// server/middleware/auth.ts
import { defineMiddleware } from 'nuxt/nitro'
export default defineMiddleware((event) => {
// lógica de autenticação
if (!event.context.user) {
throw createError({ statusCode: 401, statusMessage: 'Unauthorized' })
}
})Nuxt.js 4 simplifies the syntax for creating middleware, and defineMiddleware makes it easier to use route-specific middleware.
Dynamic Route Composition
In Nuxt.js 4, support for dynamic routing has been optimized, allowing for a more modular organization.
NuxtJS3
// pages/[user]/[post].vue
export default definePage({
async asyncData({ params }) {
const post = await fetchPost(params.user, params.post)
return { post }
}
})NuxtJS4
// app/routes/[user]/[post].ts
export default defineRoute(async (event) => {
const { user, post } = event.context.params
return await fetchPost(user, post)
})In Nuxt.js 4, dynamic routes are defined using defineRoute, which allows you to organize the route logic in specific files, increasing flexibility.
Configuring SSR and Rendering Mode
Nuxt.js 4 simplifies SSR (Server-Side Rendering) configuration, especially when using Vite with SSR.
NuxtJS 3
// nuxt.config.js
export default defineNuxtConfig({
ssr: true,
vite: {
ssr: {
noExternal: ['@nuxtjs/some-module']
}
}
})Nuxt JS 4
// nuxt.config.ts
export default defineNuxtConfig({
ssr: true,
build: {
ssr: true // Configuração simplificada para SSR
}
})The SSR configuration in Nuxt.js 4 has been optimized and integrated, eliminating the need to specify SSR settings for Vite, which makes the initial setup easier.
These examples highlight how Nuxt.js 4 makes various configurations and implementations simpler and more efficient, increasing the modularity and performance of applications. With a leaner syntax and new native features, such as the edge server and improved integration with Vite, Nuxt.js 4 offers a more agile and optimized development experience, ideal for modern, high-performance applications.
Conclusion
Nuxt.js 4 marks a new era in Vue.js application development, significantly elevating the experience for both developers and end users. With innovative features such as “Turbo Mode”, native edge server and deep integration with Vite, Nuxt 4 delivers a powerful set of tools that make development faster, more efficient and optimized for SEO. These improvements translate into a more fluid and responsive digital experience, ideal for projects that demand performance and scalability. With this version, Nuxt.js is consolidated as one of the most robust and future-proof options for modern web applications.
