Understanding React Server Components

What are React Server Componentss?

React Server Components (RSC) represent a paradigm shift in how we build React applications. They allow components to run exclusively on the server, reducing the JavaScript bundle sent to the client.

Key Benefits

• Zero bundle size - Server components don't add to your JS bundle

• Direct backend access - Query databases directly in components

• Automatic code splitting - Client components are lazy-loaded

When to Use Server Components

Use server components when you need to fetch data, access backend resources, or render static content. Use client components for interactivity, browser APIs, and state management.

// This runs on the server!
async function BlogPost({ slug }) {
  const post = await db.posts.findUnique({ where: { slug } });
  return <article>{post.content}</article>;
}

Server components are the future of React development, and understanding them is essential for modern web development.