---
description: Learn more about the build targets used by Next.js, which decide the way your application is built and run.
---
# Build Target
Next.js supports various build targets, each changing the way your application is built and run. We'll explain each of the targets below.
## `server` target
> This is the default target, however, we highly recommend the [`serverless` target](#serverless-target). The `serverless` target enforces [additional constraints](https://rauchg.com/2020/2019-in-review#serverless-upgrades-itself) to keep you in the [Pit of Success](https://blog.codinghorror.com/falling-into-the-pit-of-success/).
This target is compatible with both `next start` and [custom server](/docs/advanced-features/custom-server.md) setups (it's mandatory for a custom server).
Your application will be built and deployed as a monolith. This is the default target and no action is required on your part to opt-in.
## `serverless` target
> Deployments to [ZEIT Now](https://zeit.co) will automatically enable this target. You do not need to opt-into it yourself, but you can.
This target will output independent pages that don't require a monolithic server.
It's only compatible with `next start` or Serverless deployment platforms (like [ZEIT Now](https://zeit.co)) — you cannot use the custom server API.
To opt-into this target, set the following configuration in your `next.config.js`:
```js
module.exports = {
target: 'serverless',
}
```
## Related