Payload CMS: The Next.js-Native Fullstack Framework
Intermediate
Framework
Free

Payload CMS: The Next.js-Native Fullstack Framework

Master Payload CMS — the open-source, code-first CMS that embeds directly into Next.js. Learn collections, fields, hooks, access control, authentication, the Local API, admin panel customization, database adapters, rich text with Lexical, versioning, and the plugin system. Understand the config-driven architecture that auto-generates REST, GraphQL, and Local APIs from a single TypeScript config.

8 modules20 lessons5:00
20 Readings
SD

StackDive Team

Codebase Comprehension Platform

Free

20 lessons · 5:00

What you'll learn

Understand Payload's config-driven architecture and how it embeds into Next.js
Define collections, globals, and complex field schemas
Implement hooks for business logic (beforeChange, afterChange, beforeRead, afterRead)
Build granular access control at collection and field levels
Use the Local API for server-side data access in React Server Components
Customize the admin panel with custom components and views
Choose between Postgres and MongoDB database adapters
Configure versioning, drafts, and scheduled publishing
Extend Payload with official and custom plugins
Set up authentication with JWT, cookies, and API keys

How do you want to learn this?

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Course content

8 modules · 20 lessons

What is Payload CMS
Reading
8 min
Architecture Overview
Reading
10 min

Prerequisites

  • Basic Next.js App Router knowledge
  • Familiarity with TypeScript
  • Understanding of REST APIs

About the instructor

SD

StackDive Team

Codebase Comprehension Platform

StackDive helps developers understand real-world codebases through guided walkthroughs, interactive terminals, and AI-powered tutoring.

Topics covered

Payload CMS
Next.js
TypeScript
Headless CMS
Collections
Hooks
Access Control
GraphQL
REST API
Lexical
Free course