Is it possible to use both App Router and Pages Router in the same Next.js project?
Interviewer Expectations for this Question
01
Core Competency
Assesses fundamental understanding of Next.js conventions, runtime behavior, and memory/performance considerations.
02
Evaluation Criteria
Hiring managers look for precision, avoidance of ambiguous jargon, and ability to explain trade-offs under real production conditions.
Comprehensive Model Answer
Verified Solution
Yes, it is possible to use both App Router and Pages Router in the same Next.js project. You can have the app directory for the App Router and the pages directory for the Pages Router, allowing you to take advantage of both routing systems.
Candidate Response Strategy & Interview Tips
- Start with a concise one-sentence summary: Deliver a direct, confident answer first before expanding into nuances.
- Demonstrate real-world trade-offs: Discuss where this approach excels and when you would avoid it in production systems.
- Discuss complexity & edge cases: Proactively explain time/space complexity or boundary conditions (null values, scale limits).
- Prepare for interviewer follow-ups: Technical hiring panels frequently probe deeper into concurrency, backward compatibility, or alternative libraries.