Combining Next.js’s hybrid rendering model with a Node.js backend gives you the flexibility to build everything from simple landing pages to complex, data-driven applications. This tutorial covers:

1. Setting Up Your Monorepo
- Structuring a workspace with Next.js and a separate Express (or NestJS) service.
- Sharing types and utilities using TypeScript project references.

2. API Routes vs. External Server
- When to use Next.js API routes for simple endpoints.
- Scaling out to a dedicated Node.js service for microservices.

3. Authentication & Authorization
- Implementing secure user flows with NextAuth.js on the client.
- Protecting your Node.js API with role-based access control.

4. Data Fetching Strategies
- ISR, SSR, and CSR: which strategy fits your page?
- Real-time updates with WebSockets or Server-Sent Events.

5. Deployment Pipeline
- Deploying Next.js to Vercel and your Node.js service to DigitalOcean App Platform.
- Managing secrets, environment variables, and custom domains.

By following this guide, you’ll go from zero code to a fully deployed, production-grade full-stack application in under a day.