When building modern React interfaces, navigation is a key consideration. MUI provides the AppBar and Drawer components to help you create both top navigation bars and side panels for navigation. The AppBar typically sits at the top of your application, providing a space for your logo, navigation links, or actions. The Drawer is suited for side navigation, offering a panel that can slide in from the left or right, holding navigation links or other content.

To implement a top navigation bar using MUI, you can use the AppBar in combination with a Toolbar and navigation links. Here is a simple example of how to build an AppBar with a Toolbar and some navigation links:

This code creates a top navigation bar with your app's name on the left and navigation buttons on the right. The Toolbar helps align and space the content within the AppBar, and the Button components act as navigation links.

For side navigation, the Drawer component is the go-to solution. It can be permanent, persistent, or temporary, depending on your layout needs. Inside the Drawer, you can use a List and ListItem components to display navigation options. Here is an example of a side drawer with navigation items:

This component renders a side drawer with a list of navigation items. The Drawer can be opened or closed based on user interaction, such as clicking a menu icon.

Combining the AppBar and Drawer components allows you to create a responsive navigation experience. A common pattern is to display the AppBar at the top for branding and primary actions, while using a Drawer for additional navigation links, especially on smaller screens. The AppBar can include a menu icon button that toggles the Drawer, allowing users to access navigation links from anywhere in your app. By using both components together, you provide a familiar and accessible navigation structure that adapts to different device sizes and user needs.