Troubleshooting Next.js and Firebase Integration: Overcoming Common Errors

Ello~ Today, I want to share my experience with integrating Next.js and Firebase for my project. While this combination offers amazing possibilities, I encountered a couple of frustrating errors along the way. But fear not! I'm here to guide you through the solutions for two common errors I faced: "React Firebase Error auth/invalid-api-key" and "Webpack Error: TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'length')."

Let's start with the first error, the "React Firebase Error auth/invalid-api-key" It turned out that my .env.local file was causing all the trouble. I made a little mistake by placing it inside my source folder instead of keeping it outside. Once I moved the .env.local file to its rightful place, outside the source folder, the error magically disappeared! So, be sure to double-check the location of your .env.local file and ensure it's in the right spot.

Now, onto the second error, the "Webpack Error: TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'length')." This one had me scratching my head for a while, but eventually, I found the solution. It was as simple as updating my dependencies using the npm update command. Once I did that, the error vanished into thin air! So, remember to keep your dependencies up to date and ensure you're using the latest versions.

Oh, and here's an important tip for you all: If you've tried the recommended solutions and the error stubbornly persists, don't panic! Sometimes, a good old restart of your computer can work wonders. It might sound cliché, but trust me, it often does the trick.

Lastly, a small reminder: When working with your .env file, make sure to write your keys like this: "NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_API_KEY=key" and not like this: "NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_API_KEY: 'key'". This simple formatting difference can save you from unnecessary headaches and help you avoid unexpected errors. In Next.js it is necessary to use "NEXT_PUBLIC_" for the variables names.

"By default environment variables are only available in the Node.js environment, meaning they won't be exposed to the browser. In order to expose a variable to the browser you have to prefix the variable with NEXT_PUBLIC_. " source

I hope this blog post has shed some light on the pesky errors you might encounter when integrating Next.js and Firebase. Remember, we're all on this coding journey together, and every error is just another step towards becoming better developers. Keep persevering, keep exploring, and happy coding!

Disclaimer: Please note that the solutions provided in this blog post are based on my personal experience and may not apply to every project or setup. It's always a good idea to consult official documentation and seek advice from reliable sources for specific troubleshooting.