Clerk Authentication

Patterns

Next.js App Router Setup

• ClerkProvider: Wraps app for auth context
• <SignIn />, <SignUp />: Pre-built auth forms
• <UserButton />: User menu with session management

Middleware Route Protection

• Single middleware.ts file at project root
• Use createRouteMatcher for route groups
• auth.protect() for explicit protection
• Centralize all auth logic in middleware

Server Component Authentication

• auth(): Returns userId, sessionId, orgId, claims
• currentUser(): Returns full User object
• Both require clerkMiddleware to be configured

⚠️ Sharp Edges