Clerk SDK Patterns

Overview

Learn common patterns and best practices for using the Clerk SDK effectively.

Prerequisites

• Clerk SDK installed and configured

• Basic understanding of React/Next.js

• ClerkProvider wrapping application

Instructions

• Pattern 1: Server-Side Authentication

• Pattern 2: Client-Side Hooks

• Pattern 3: Protected Routes with Middleware

• Pattern 4: Organization-Aware Queries

• Pattern 5: Custom JWT Templates

For full implementation details and code examples, load: Read(${CLAUDE_SKILL_DIR}/references/implementation-guide.md)

Output

• Server and client authentication patterns

• Protected route middleware

• Organization-aware queries

• Custom JWT tokens for integrations

Error Handling

Error Cause Solution

auth() returns null Not in server context Use in Server Components or API routes

useUser() not updating Component not re-rendering Check ClerkProvider placement

getToken() fails Template not configured Configure JWT template in dashboard

orgId is null No organization selected Prompt user to select organization

Resources

• Clerk SDK Reference

• Authentication Patterns

• JWT Templates

Next Steps

Proceed to clerk-core-workflow-a for user sign-up and sign-in flows.

Examples

Basic usage: Apply clerk sdk patterns to a standard project setup with default configuration options.

Advanced scenario: Customize clerk sdk patterns for production environments with multiple constraints and team-specific requirements.