5 Common Mistakes Developers Make When Using Vercel

When it comes to deploying applications, Vercel has become a go-to platform for many developers due to its simplicity and seamless integration with frameworks like Next.js. However, even with its user-friendly interface, developers often stumble upon common pitfalls that can lead to headaches down the line. In this article, we'll explore five of the most frequent mistakes developers make when using Vercel and share how to avoid them.

1. Ignoring Environment Variables

What happens?

Many developers overlook the importance of properly configuring environment variables in Vercel. This can lead to issues like hardcoded API keys or misconfigurations that can break your application in production.

Solution

Always set your environment variables in Vercel's dashboard under the "Settings" tab of your project. Make sure to use the correct keys for different environments (development, preview, production).

Our Take

We learned this the hard way. On one project, we forgot to set an API key, leading to a failed deployment that caused downtime. Now, we double-check our environment variables before every deployment.

2. Overlooking Build Settings

What happens?

Vercel allows you to customize build settings, but many developers stick with the defaults without understanding their implications. This can lead to longer build times or even build failures.

Solution

Review and customize the build settings based on your project’s needs. For example, if you're using TypeScript, ensure that the build command is set to next build and that your output directory is correctly specified.

Limitations

Remember that customizing build settings can be tricky if you're not familiar with your project's structure or the framework you're using.

3. Not Utilizing Preview Deployments

What happens?

Vercel’s preview deployments are a powerful feature that allows you to test changes before going live. However, many developers skip this step, leading to potential bugs making it to production.

Solution

Make it a habit to create a preview deployment for every pull request. This allows you to review changes in a real environment and catch issues early.

Pricing Impact

Preview deployments are included in Vercel's free tier, which is great for indie developers and small teams.

4. Mismanaging Static Assets

What happens?

Developers often mismanage static assets, either by not optimizing them or by placing them in the wrong directory. This can lead to slow load times and a subpar user experience.

Solution

Store your static assets in the public directory and make sure to use image optimization techniques provided by Next.js. Use Vercel's built-in image optimization features to serve images in modern formats.

Our Experience

We’ve seen a noticeable improvement in load times after optimizing our images and serving them from the correct directories. It’s a simple fix that pays off in user satisfaction.

5. Failing to Monitor Performance

What happens?

Once deployed, developers often forget about performance monitoring. This can lead to unnoticed slowdowns or errors that affect user experience.

Solution

Use Vercel's built-in analytics tools to monitor performance metrics. Set up alerts for performance drops or errors to stay on top of your application's health.

Honesty Check

While Vercel provides basic analytics, it might not cover all your needs. Consider integrating third-party tools like Sentry or LogRocket for more comprehensive monitoring.

Conclusion: Start Here to Avoid Pitfalls

To avoid these common mistakes, take the time to familiarize yourself with Vercel’s features and settings. Set up environment variables correctly, utilize preview deployments, and keep an eye on performance metrics. These practices will save you headaches and improve your deployment process drastically.

What We Actually Use

In our experience, we rely heavily on Vercel's preview deployments and environment variable management. We also integrate Sentry for monitoring performance and catching errors early.