name: api-new description: "Create a new Next.js API route with validation, error handling, and TypeScript"

Create New API Route

Create a new Next.js API route following modern best practices for solo developers.

Requirements

API Endpoint: $ARGUMENTS

Implementation Guidelines

1. Next.js 15 App Router (Recommended)

Use Route Handlers in app/api/ directory with TypeScript

2. Validation

• Use Zod for runtime type validation
• Validate input early (before DB/API calls)
• Return clear validation error messages

3. Error Handling

• Global error handling with try/catch
• Consistent error response format
• Appropriate HTTP status codes
• Never expose sensitive error details

4. TypeScript

• Strict typing for requests/responses
• Shared type definitions
• No any types

5. Security

• Input sanitization
• CORS configuration if needed
• Rate limiting considerations
• Authentication/authorization checks

6. Response Format

// Success
{ data: T, success: true }

// Error
{ error: string, details?: unknown, success: false }

Code Structure

Create a complete API route with:

1. Route Handler File - app/api/[route]/route.ts
2. Validation Schema - Zod schemas for request/response
3. Type Definitions - Shared TypeScript types
4. Error Handler - Centralized error handling
5. Example Usage - Client-side fetch example

Best Practices to Follow

• Early validation before expensive operations
• Proper HTTP status codes (200, 201, 400, 401, 404, 500)
• Consistent error response format
• TypeScript strict mode
• Minimal logic in routes (use services/utils)
• Environment variable validation
• Request/response logging for debugging
• No sensitive data in responses
• No database queries without validation
• No inline business logic (extract to services)

Generate production-ready code that I can immediately use in my Next.js project.