React Server Components

50 min

React Server Components allow you to render components on the server and send them to the client, improving performance and user experience.

They enable you to fetch data and render UI on the server without sending unnecessary JavaScript to the client.

Server Components are currently experimental but are a powerful addition to the React ecosystem.

Server Components can directly access backend resources like databases and file systems, reducing the need for API endpoints.

They reduce the JavaScript bundle size sent to the client since Server Component code doesn't need to be downloaded.

Server Components work seamlessly with Client Components, allowing you to mix server and client rendering in the same component tree.

Key Concepts

Server Components render on the server and send HTML to the client.
They can access backend resources directly without API calls.
Server Component code isn't sent to the client, reducing bundle size.
They work alongside Client Components in the same tree.
Currently experimental, primarily available in Next.js 13+.

Learning Objectives

Master

Understanding Server Components vs Client Components
Identifying when to use Server Components
Mixing Server and Client Components effectively
Understanding the benefits and limitations of Server Components

Develop

Understanding modern React architecture
Server-side rendering patterns
Performance optimization thinking

Tips

Use Server Components for data fetching and static content.
Use Client Components for interactivity (event handlers, state, effects).
Server Components can't use hooks or browser APIs.
Mark Client Components with 'use client' directive.

Common Pitfalls

Trying to use hooks or browser APIs in Server Components.
Not understanding the boundary between Server and Client Components.
Overusing Client Components when Server Components would suffice.
Not considering the experimental nature of this feature.

Summary

Server Components render on the server and reduce client bundle size.
They can access backend resources directly.
They work alongside Client Components in the same tree.
Currently experimental, primarily in Next.js 13+.

Exercise

Show a basic example of a React Server Component (conceptual, as it requires a special setup).

// Example (conceptual)
// app/server-component.jsx
export default function ServerComponent() {
  // Fetch data on the server
  return <div>Rendered on the server!</div>;
}
// Usage in a Next.js app: import ServerComponent from './server-component'

Exercise Tips

Set up a Next.js 13+ project to experiment with Server Components.
Understand the 'use client' directive for Client Components.
Learn about the component tree and Server/Client boundaries.
Experiment with data fetching in Server Components.

React Server Components