Clerk Authentication
Patterns
Next.js App Router Setup
Complete Clerk setup for Next.js 14/15 App Router.
Includes ClerkProvider, environment variables, and basic sign-in/sign-up components.
Key components:
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ClerkProvider: Wraps app for auth context
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, : Pre-built auth forms
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: User menu with session management
Middleware Route Protection
Protect routes using clerkMiddleware and createRouteMatcher.
Best practices:
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Single middleware.ts file at project root
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Use createRouteMatcher for route groups
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auth.protect() for explicit protection
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Centralize all auth logic in middleware
Server Component Authentication
Access auth state in Server Components using auth() and currentUser().
Key functions:
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auth(): Returns userId, sessionId, orgId, claims
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currentUser(): Returns full User object
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Both require clerkMiddleware to be configured
⚠️ Sharp Edges
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