Difference between router in next/navigation and next/router in Next.js?

In Next.js, there are two main ways to handle routing programmatically:

1. next/router

• This is the older routing API used in Next.js.
• It relies on the useRouter hook or Router object for client-side navigation.
• Commonly used in Next.js versions before the introduction of the App Router.

Key Features:

• Primarily designed for pages directory-based routing.
• Works well in Next.js projects with the Pages Router (the default routing system in versions before Next.js 13).
• Includes methods for programmatic navigation (push, replace, etc.).

Example:

import { useRouter } from 'next/router';

export default function MyComponent() {
  const router = useRouter();

  const handleNavigation = () => {
    router.push('/about'); // Navigate to /about
  };

  return <button onClick={handleNavigation}>Go to About</button>;
}

Common Use Cases:

• Navigating between pages in the Pages Router system.
• Accessing router query parameters (router.query).

2. next/navigation

• This is the newer routing API introduced with the App Router in Next.js 13.
• Designed to work with the new file-based App Router system.
• Focuses on a more declarative and streamlined approach to routing.

Key Features:

• Provides hooks and utilities like useRouter (similar to next/router) but tailored for the App Router.
• Includes new utilities like usePathname, useSearchParams, and redirect for modern app routing needs.
• Works seamlessly with React Server Components (RSC).

Example:

'use client'; // Required for client-side logic

import { useRouter } from 'next/navigation';

export default function MyComponent() {
  const router = useRouter();

  const handleNavigation = () => {
    router.push('/about'); // Navigate to /about
  };

  return <button onClick={handleNavigation}>Go to About</button>;
}

Common Use Cases:

• Navigating in App Router-based projects.
• Accessing and manipulating URL paths or search parameters (useSearchParams, usePathname).

Key Differences:

When to Use Which?

• If you’re using the Pages Router: Use next/router.
• If you’re using the App Router: Use next/navigation.

For new projects, especially those starting with Next.js 13 or later, it’s recommended to use the App Router and the next/navigation API for a more modern, flexible approach to routing.