Create a Next.js API Route with Validation
Use this AI prompt to generate an API route inside Next.js app router with input validation using Zod and proper response types.
🧠 What This Prompt Does
This AI prompt helps you scaffold secure API routes in Next.js using the App Router’s route.ts pattern.
It includes input validation, structured responses, and async handling — ensuring robust backend logic directly inside your Next.js project.
💬 The Prompt
You are a backend-focused Next.js developer.
Generate a validated API route file using TypeScript and Zod.
Requirements:
- Handle POST requests
- Validate request body using Zod
- Return JSON responses with status codes
- Use NextResponse for handling outputs
API purpose:
{{api_purpose}}
⚙️ Example Input
{ "api_purpose": "Create a new user with email and password" }
🚀 Example Output (AI Generated)
import { NextResponse } from 'next/server';
import { z } from 'zod';
const userSchema = z.object({
email: z.string().email(),
password: z.string().min(6),
});
export async function POST(req: Request) {
try {
const body = await req.json();
const data = userSchema.parse(body);
// Example DB call placeholder
// await db.user.create({ data });
return NextResponse.json({ success: true, user: data }, { status: 201 });
} catch (error) {
if (error instanceof z.ZodError) {
return NextResponse.json({ error: error.errors }, { status: 400 });
}
return NextResponse.json(
{ error: 'Internal Server Error' },
{ status: 500 }
);
}
}
📘 When to Use This Prompt
- To create serverless routes inside the Next.js app router.
- When building secure APIs for CRUD or integration tasks.
- When you need validation and error handling baked in.
💡 Best Practices
- Use Zod for input validation to avoid runtime issues.
- Always sanitize user data before processing.
- Include meaningful status codes for clarity.
- Consider edge deployments for speed.
🏁 Summary
This prompt helps you quickly scaffold API routes in Next.js with validation, structure, and error handling.
Perfect for teams building secure, typed serverless endpoints with minimal boilerplate.
What is the difference between API routes and server actions?
API routes handle traditional REST-style requests, while server actions are for direct server execution from client components.
Can I use Zod for validation in Next.js?
Yes, Zod works perfectly for schema validation in API routes.
How do I handle CORS in Next.js API routes?
Use the built-in NextResponse headers or a middleware to manage cross-origin access.
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