How to Pass Sensitive Data Securely Using Next.js Link Component

Discover how to seamlessly and securely pass sensitive data like category IDs using the Next.js Link component, without exposing it in the URL.
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How to Pass Sensitive Data Securely Using the Next.js Link Component

In modern web development, especially when dealing with sensitive information, data security is of utmost importance. One common scenario developers face is how to pass sensitive data, like a category_id, while using navigation components like the Link component in Next.js. Typically, query strings are used for this purpose, but they can expose data in the URL, which may not be desirable.

In this guide, we will explore an elegant solution that allows you to pass sensitive data in a secure manner using the Next.js Link component, ensuring your application remains both user-friendly and secure.

The Issue with Query Strings

Using query strings, while convenient, can lead to potential data exposure. For example, if you relied on a URL like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This URL exposes the id directly in the browser’s address bar, making it easily accessible to anyone. To avoid this, we need a different approach.

Solution: Using the as Property of Next.js Link

Fortunately, Next.js provides a built-in way to mitigate this issue: the as property of the Link component. This allows you to hide the query parameters from the URL while still being able to access them in your application.

Step-by-Step Implementation

Here’s how to implement this:

Create a Link component: Use the Link component from the next/link package, specifying an object in the href that contains your pathname and the sensitive data in the query.

Utilize the as property: This prop lets you define what the URL should look like without exposing sensitive information.

Example Code

Here’s a quick code snippet displaying how to use the Link component with sensitive data:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

In this case, the URL will appear as:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

However, you still have access to your sensitive data in your page, thanks to Next.js’s router.

Accessing the Data

To retrieve the sensitive data in your getServerSideProps or any component on your page, simply use the useRouter hook from next/router:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

By utilizing the as property within the Next.js Link component, you can securely pass sensitive data like category_id without exposing it in the URL. This approach not only keeps your data private but also maintains a clean URL structure for your application.

If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring more about Next.js and its capabilities to better understand how to optimize and secure your web applications.

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