# Edge Functions are now available in Public Beta

**Published:** October 26, 2021 | **Authors:** Kathy Korevec, Javi Velasco, Matheus Fernandes

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[Edge Functions](https://vercel.com/features/edge-functions) are now available in Public Beta. They allow developers to deliver content to your site with speed and personalization, by enabling them to serve the exact end-user experience they're imagining, every time. Edge Functions have instant cold boots, support streaming, and are deployed globally by default.

To get started with Edge Functions, create a `_middleware.js` file in the `pages/` directory for [Next.js 12+](https://nextjs.org/12) or on the root of any Vercel project. Middleware enables Edge authentication, bot protection, feature flags, A/B testing, server-side analytics, logging, and more.

Read about deploying Edge Functions in [the documentation](https://vercel.com/docs/concepts/functions/edge-functions), and check out [the examples](https://vercel.com/features/edge-functions#examples).

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📚 **More updates:** [View all changelog entries](/changelog/sitemap.md) | [Blog](/blog/sitemap.md)