Exploring Next.js 16 File System Conventions

Next.js 16 introduces experimental file system conventions for improved developer experience. The entire application structure is now unified under the `app/` directory. This includes routes, layouts, loading states, and API endpoints, eliminating the separate `pages/api` folder. Server and client components can be co-located within the same directory. The compiler automatically differentiates them based on context, reducing the need for excessive `"use client"` directives. Each segment can have its own configuration file, enabling cleaner and more localized routing rules. This feature contributes to a more consistent and predictable file-system-driven architecture. Next.js 16 represents a welcomed evolution since the initial introduction of the App Router. The new structure makes it easier to navigate and reason about the application's components. A detailed breakdown with examples and visuals is available on the author's blog.