Build a Taxi Booking App with Next.js 13, TypeScript, and Mapbox API

Ready to build your own ride-hailing app? This article guides you through creating a taxi booking application using Next.js 13, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, Mapbox API, and Clerk for authentication. The example app allows users to sign in, select pickup and destination locations, choose a car type, and process payments through Stripe. An accompanying video walks through the full process.

This tutorial demonstrates building a taxi booking application using Next.js 13 and various modern technologies. The app features user authentication via Clerk, location selection and route calculation with Mapbox API, and payment processing through Stripe. Key functionalities include address suggestions, real-time distance and ETA display, and a seamless booking experience. It’s a comprehensive guide to building a full-stack application with a focus on user experience and modern development practices.

Key Technologies Used

Let’s dive into the technologies used to build this application:

• Next.js 13: A React framework for building performant and scalable web applications. We’ll be leveraging the App Router for a modern development experience.
• TypeScript: A superset of JavaScript that adds static typing, improving code maintainability and reducing errors.
• Tailwind CSS: A utility-first CSS framework for rapidly styling the application with a consistent design.
• Mapbox API: A powerful mapping platform for displaying maps, geocoding addresses, and calculating routes.
• Clerk: A user authentication and management platform that simplifies the process of adding secure authentication to the application.
• Stripe: A payment processing platform for handling secure online transactions.

User Authentication with Clerk

Clerk is used for handling user authentication in the application. Clerk simplifies user sign-in and provides user account management features. Here’s a breakdown of the authentication flow:

• Users can sign in with their Google account (or other configured providers).
• Upon successful authentication, users are redirected to the application’s homepage.
• Clerk provides UI components for managing user accounts, allowing users to view and update their details.

Building the Booking Interface

The booking interface allows users to specify their pickup and destination locations, select a car type, and choose a payment method. Let’s examine the key elements:

• Source and Destination Address Selection: Users can enter their desired pickup and destination addresses. The application uses the Mapbox API to provide address suggestions as the user types, improving the accuracy and speed of address entry.
• Map Integration: The Mapbox map displays the user’s current location and updates in real-time as the user enters their source and destination addresses.
• Route Calculation: Once the source and destination addresses are selected, the Mapbox API calculates the optimal route and displays it on the map.
• Car Type Selection: Users can choose from different car types, each with its own price. The application displays the price for each car type, allowing users to make informed decisions.
• Distance and ETA Display: The application displays the distance and estimated time of arrival (ETA) for the selected route, providing users with valuable information about their trip.

Integrating Mapbox API

The Mapbox API is essential for several features, including displaying maps, providing address suggestions, and calculating routes.

• Address Autocompletion: The Mapbox API’s geocoding service is used to provide address suggestions as the user types in the source and destination address fields. This feature significantly improves the user experience by making it easier to enter accurate addresses.
• Route Calculation and Display: The Mapbox API’s routing service calculates the optimal route between the source and destination addresses. The route is then displayed on the map, providing users with a visual representation of their trip.
• Real-time Map Updates: The map updates dynamically as the user interacts with the application. For example, when the user selects a source and destination address, the map automatically zooms to the appropriate location and displays the calculated route.

Payment Processing with Stripe

Stripe is integrated into the application to handle payment processing.

• Stripe Integration: The application integrates with Stripe to securely process payments. The integration includes the Stripe payment form directly within the application, providing a seamless user experience.
• Payment Flow: After selecting a car type and payment method, the user is redirected to the Stripe payment form. The user enters their payment information, and Stripe securely processes the transaction.
• Error Handling: The application includes error handling for payment processing. If the user enters invalid payment information, the application displays an error message and prompts the user to correct their information.

Backend and Data Storage

While the details of the backend implementation aren’t fully elaborated on, the application stores payment information and other relevant data.

• Strapi Dashboard: The application uses Strapi, a headless CMS, to manage and display payment information. The Strapi dashboard provides a centralized location for viewing payment details.
• Data Storage: Payment information is stored in the Strapi database, allowing the application to track payments and generate reports.

Key Takeaways

Let’s recap the main points:

• Building a taxi booking application involves integrating multiple technologies, including Next.js 13, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, Mapbox API, Clerk, and Stripe.
• Clerk simplifies user authentication and account management.
• The Mapbox API provides powerful mapping features, including address suggestions, route calculation, and real-time map updates.
• Stripe enables secure payment processing.
• A well-designed user interface is essential for a seamless booking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Next.js 13?

Next.js 13 is a React framework that enables developers to build high-performance web applications with features like server-side rendering, static site generation, and API routes. It simplifies the development process and provides a great developer experience.

Why use TypeScript?

TypeScript adds static typing to JavaScript, which helps catch errors during development, improves code maintainability, and enhances collaboration among developers.

What are the benefits of using the Mapbox API?

The Mapbox API offers powerful mapping features, including customizable maps, geocoding services, routing capabilities, and real-time traffic data. It allows developers to create interactive and location-aware applications.

How does Clerk simplify authentication?

Clerk provides pre-built UI components and backend services for user authentication, making it easy to add features like sign-up, sign-in, and password management to your application without writing complex code.

Is it difficult to integrate Stripe for payments?

Stripe provides comprehensive documentation and SDKs that simplify the integration process. With Stripe’s pre-built UI components and secure API, you can quickly add payment processing to your application. In conclusion, building a taxi booking application requires careful planning and integration of various technologies. By leveraging Next.js 13, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, Mapbox API, Clerk, and Stripe, you can create a robust and user-friendly application that meets the needs of both drivers and passengers. This project demonstrates how to combine these technologies to build a modern and scalable web application with a focus on user experience and security. Remember to consult the official documentation for each technology to ensure proper implementation and best practices.

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