Build and Deploy a Full Stack AI SaaS Platform with Next js 14, TypeScript, Stripe

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through building and deploying a full-stack AI Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform using Next.js 14, TypeScript, Stripe, and other powerful tools. By following the steps outlined here, you'll create a real-world application that features AI capabilities, user authentication, and a payment system, which you can use as a side project or business venture.

Step 1: Project Setup

• Create a New Next.js Project

  • Run the following command to set up a new Next.js application:

    npx create-next-app@latest my-ai-saas-app --typescript
    

  • Navigate into your project directory:

    cd my-ai-saas-app
    

• Install Required Packages

  • Install the necessary dependencies:

    npm install stripe @clerk/clerk-sdk @clerk/nextjs @hookform/resolvers zod cloudinary
    

Step 2: Next.js Routing and Folder Structure

• Understand Next.js Routing

  • Familiarize yourself with the app directory structure, where each folder represents a route in your application.

• Create Necessary Folders

  • Structure your application by creating folders for components, pages, and styles as needed.

Step 3: Clerk Authentication

• Set Up Clerk
  • Sign up for a Clerk account and create a new application to get your API keys.
  • Integrate Clerk into your project by configuring the Clerk provider in your _app.tsx file.

Step 4: Layout Sidebar and Mobile Navigation

• Create a Sidebar Component

  • Build a responsive sidebar for navigation using React components and CSS.

• Implement Mobile Navigation

  • Ensure the sidebar is functional on mobile devices, possibly using a hamburger menu.

Step 5: Database and Models Setup

• Set Up Your Database

  • Choose a database solution (like MongoDB or PostgreSQL) and connect it to your application.

• Define Models

  • Create models for your application, such as users and images, to manage data effectively.

Step 6: Server Actions and Webhook

• Implement Server Actions

  • Use Next.js server actions to handle backend logic, such as user sign-up and image uploads.

• Set Up Webhooks

  • Configure Stripe webhooks to handle payment events and update the database accordingly.

Step 7: Add Image Form with React Hook Form and Zod Validation

• Create Image Upload Form

  • Use React Hook Form to create a form for users to upload images.

• Implement Validation

  • Use Zod for schema validation to ensure the data is correct before submission.

Step 8: Cloudinary Media Uploader

• Integrate Cloudinary
  • Use Cloudinary to manage image uploads and transformations. Ensure your Cloudinary account is set up and connected.

Step 9: Transformed Image Components

• Create Image Display Components
  • Build components to display images, utilizing transformation features from Cloudinary.

Step 10: Image Server Action

• Handle Image Processing on Server
  • Implement server-side functions to manage image uploads and updates efficiently.

Step 11: Homepage and Search with Pagination

• Build the Homepage

  • Create a homepage that displays available images and includes a search feature.

• Implement Pagination

  • Add pagination to handle large datasets effectively.

Step 12: Image Details, Update, and Delete Image

• Image Management
  • Create functionality to view, update, and delete images. Ensure these actions are secure and user-specific.

Step 13: Checkout and Pay with Stripe

• Stripe Integration
  • Set up Stripe for payment processing, allowing users to purchase credits or services.
  • Implement the checkout flow to handle payments smoothly.

Step 14: Final Deployment and Production Fixes

• Prepare for Deployment

  • Review your application for any bugs or performance issues.

• Deploy the Application

  • Use platforms like Vercel or Netlify for deployment. Ensure all environment variables are set correctly.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you will have built a fully functional AI SaaS platform with Next.js 14, TypeScript, and integrated payment solutions. As you expand your project, consider adding more features or optimizing existing ones. Explore documentation for each tool used to deepen your understanding and enhance your application further.