Build and Deploy a Banking App with Finance Management Dashboard Using Next.js 14

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to build and deploy a banking app with a finance management dashboard using Next.js 14. This app will allow users to connect multiple bank accounts, view real-time transactions, and transfer money between users. By following the steps outlined, you will gain hands-on experience with modern web development practices and tools.

Step 1: Set Up Your Development Environment

• Install Node.js and npm if you haven't already.
• Create a new Next.js project by running:

  npx create-next-app@latest banking-app
  

• Navigate into your project directory:

  cd banking-app
  

Step 2: File and Folder Structure

• Organize your project by creating the following folders:
  • components: For reusable UI components.
  • pages: For application pages.
  • styles: For stylesheets.

Step 3: Build the Home Page UI

• Create a new file index.js in the pages folder.
• Use the following code snippet to set up the basic structure:

  const HomePage = () => {
    return (
      <div>
        <h1>Welcome to Your Banking App</h1>
      </div>
    );
  };
  
  export default HomePage;
  

• Style the page using CSS or your preferred styling method.

Step 4: Create Sidebars

• In the components folder, create a Sidebar component.
• Implement navigation links for different sections of the app like Home, Transactions, and My Banks.

Step 5: Design the Authentication Page

• Create auth.js in the pages folder for the authentication interface.
• Use forms to collect user credentials.

Step 6: Implement Appwrite Authentication

• Set up Appwrite for user authentication.
• Follow Appwrite documentation to integrate authentication methods.

Step 7: Secure the Application with Sentry

• Install Sentry for error tracking:

  npm install @sentry/nextjs
  

• Configure Sentry by following the setup instructions on their official site.

Step 8: Add Plaid Banking Functionality

• Create a Plaid account and get your API keys.
• Install the Plaid client:

  npm install plaid
  

• Use the Plaid API to connect user bank accounts.

Step 9: Set Up Dwolla Environment

• Create a Dwolla sandbox account for payment processing.
• Obtain API credentials and configure them within your app.

Step 10: Display Real Bank Data

• Fetch and display users' real bank data using the Plaid API.
• Ensure to handle API responses and errors appropriately.

Step 11: Recent Transactions Feature

• Create a component to list recent transactions.
• Use state management to keep track of transaction data.

Step 12: Enable Multiple Bank Accounts Connection

• Allow users to connect more than one bank account.
• Update your UI to reflect multiple accounts.

Step 13: Transaction History Page

• Create a dedicated page to display users' transaction history.
• Implement sorting and filtering options for better user experience.

Step 14: My Banks Page

• Design a page where users can manage their connected bank accounts.
• Provide options for adding or removing accounts.

Step 15: Payment Transfer Page

• Create a page that allows users to transfer money to other users.
• Implement input fields for amount and recipient details.

Step 16: Display Real-time Transactions

• Use web sockets or polling to show real-time transaction updates.
• Ensure the UI refreshes without needing a page reload.

Step 17: Implement Pagination and Spending Categories

• Add pagination to transaction lists for better navigation.
• Categorize spending to help users track their expenses.

Step 18: Deploy the Application

• Use Vercel or another hosting service for deployment.
• Follow the deployment instructions specific to your hosting service.

Conclusion

By following this tutorial, you have built a fully functional banking app with features such as account connections, transaction management, and payment transfers using Next.js 14. Consider exploring further by adding additional features or enhancing existing ones. Don't forget to check the GitHub repository for source code and documentation. Happy coding!