How to Create QR Codes in NextJS and React!

Summary

In this tutorial, the presenter demonstrates three methods for generating QR codes in React and Next.js. The first approach uses the `qrcode` npm package to generate QR codes client-side. The second approach leverages a free external API, `api.qrserver.com`, for client-side QR code generation without the need for any npm dependencies. Finally, the third approach shows how to generate QR codes server-side using a custom Next.js API route. The tutorial covers the implementation of each method with clear, step-by-step instructions, offering flexibility depending on your project’s needs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Two client-side approaches and one server-side approach are explored for generating QR codes in React and Next.js.
• 😀 The first approach uses the npm package 'QR code' to generate QR codes on the client side.
• 😀 To use the 'QR code' npm package, simply install it via 'npm install QR code' and import it in your React/Next.js app.
• 😀 The generated QR code is displayed by setting the 'src' of an <img> element to the QR code data URL obtained from the QR code package.
• 😀 The second approach avoids npm packages by directly linking to an external API (api.qrserver.com) to generate the QR code image on the client side.
• 😀 A controlled input field is used to capture the username or data to encode in the QR code.
• 😀 In the client-side approaches, the QR code is generated dynamically based on the input when a 'Generate' button is clicked.
• 😀 The third server-side approach uses the QR code API to generate the QR code image and return it to the client as a response.
• 😀 In the server-side approach, the QR code is fetched from the API using the user input as a query parameter.
• 😀 The server-side approach is synchronous, meaning the QR code image URL can be directly assigned to the state and displayed without the need for additional fetch requests.
• 😀 While the server-side approach works, the client-side approach (using an external API or the 'QR code' npm package) is more efficient and straightforward for most use cases.

Q & A

What are the three approaches discussed for generating QR codes in React or Next.js?

The three approaches discussed are: 1) Using the `qr-code` npm package (client-side), 2) Generating QR codes server-side using an API, and 3) Using an external QR code API (client-side, without any npm package).

Why might someone choose the server-side approach for generating QR codes?

The server-side approach can be useful when you want more control over the QR code generation process or need to avoid relying on client-side libraries or external dependencies. It also allows you to handle QR code generation in a more secure, centralized manner.

What is the purpose of using the `QR-Code` npm package in the first approach?

The `QR-Code` npm package is used to generate QR codes directly on the client-side in a React or Next.js application. It provides various methods to convert data into QR codes, such as generating a data URL for display as an image.

How does the first approach handle QR code generation?

In the first approach, after installing the `qr-code` npm package, the `QRCode.toDataURL()` method is used to convert a URL (like a GitHub profile link) into a data URL, which is then set as the source of an image element to display the QR code.

What problem might arise if you're using TypeScript with the `qr-code` npm package?

If you're using TypeScript, you might encounter a type error since the package doesn't have built-in TypeScript definitions. This can be fixed by installing the `@types/qr-code` package to provide the necessary type definitions.

How does the server-side approach generate QR codes using an external API?

In the server-side approach, the QR code is generated by making a request to the `qrserver.com` API, passing in the data (e.g., a URL) and receiving the QR code image URL in return. This URL is then passed back to the client to display the QR code.

What advantage does using a server-side QR code generation method provide over client-side methods?

Server-side generation provides more control, as you can customize the QR code creation process and potentially handle more complex logic on the server. It also reduces the dependency on external libraries on the client side, keeping the client code simpler.

Why might the third approach (client-side with an external API) be considered simpler?

The third approach is considered simpler because it does not require any npm packages or server-side logic. You simply construct a URL to an external QR code API and use it directly on the client side to generate the QR code image, which is then displayed.

What is the primary benefit of the third approach compared to the first two?

The primary benefit of the third approach is that it doesn't require adding any dependencies (like npm packages) or setting up server-side code. It's entirely client-side, relying on an external API to generate the QR code image.

How do you handle the `username` input when generating QR codes in React or Next.js?

The `username` input is captured using a controlled input field, with its value stored in the component's state. When generating the QR code, the username is appended to a base URL (e.g., a GitHub URL) and used to generate the QR code.