Why Migrate?
Server Components, improved routing, built-in streaming, and better data fetching patterns. The App Router solved real problems the Pages Router couldn't.
The Migration Strategy
Phase 1: Parallel Routes for Risk-Free Start
We started with a single route group in the App Router. The rest of the app stayed on Pages. This let us validate the approach without a big bang migration.
Phase 2: Data Fetching Patterns
Server Components changed how we fetch data. No more `useEffect` for data loading. Direct async components with caching built in.
Phase 3: Client Component Boundaries
Identifying which components needed the `"use client"` directive was the hardest part. Every client component breaks the server streaming benefit.
Gotchas
The Result
Zero downtime migration. The App Router handles our traffic better, loads faster, and the code is genuinely cleaner.