RFC: Authentication

[kdelmonte]

Next.js has established itself as a powerful and versatile framework for building modern web applications. However, one area where it currently falls short is providing an out-of-the-box authentication solution. While there are third-party libraries like NextAuth.js that offer authentication capabilities, it would greatly benefit the Next.js ecosystem if an official authentication solution were integrated directly into the framework.

This proposal aims to kickstart a discussion around the inclusion of a built-in authentication system in Next.js. By incorporating authentication as a core feature, Next.js can streamline the development process for a wide range of applications, from simple static sites to complex dynamic web applications. This enhancement would not only save developers time but also ensure consistent and secure authentication practices across projects.

Benefits:

1. Seamless Integration: Having authentication as a first-class feature would simplify the process of adding user authentication to Next.js applications. Developers could start securing their applications with minimal configuration, reducing the need for external libraries.
2. Consistency: An official authentication solution would promote consistent implementation patterns and security practices across the Next.js community. Developers could rely on a well-tested and standardized approach to handling user authentication.
3. Performance and Efficiency: With authentication integrated directly into Next.js, optimizations could be made to ensure efficient server-side rendering and API route authentication, leading to improved overall performance.
4. Learning Curve: Newcomers to Next.js would find it easier to grasp the framework’s authentication features if they were part of the official documentation and tutorials. This would lower the barrier to entry for developers new to Next.js.

This RFC aims to gather feedback from the Next.js community about the need for a built-in authentication solution. Your insights, suggestions, and concerns are vital to shaping the direction of Next.js and its evolution into a more comprehensive and developer-friendly framework.

Please feel free to share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences related to authentication in Next.js. Together, we can explore the possibility of enhancing the framework with a robust, secure, and user-friendly authentication system.

Related to #48988