React Server Components: Is the Future of React on the Server?

In recent years, React has evolved significantly to improve performance and user experience. One of the biggest changes is the introduction of React Server Components (RSC). But what exactly are they? How do they work? And when should we use them?

In this post, I’ll explain what Server Components are, how they differ from other rendering approaches, and why they can revolutionize React development.

What Are React Server Components?

React Server Components (RSC) are a new type of component that runs exclusively on the server and is never sent as JavaScript to the client. This means:

Less JavaScript is sent to the browser → The client bundle is smaller, reducing load times. Rendering can access the database or APIs directly on the server → No need for client-side fetch requests. Supports streaming → UI can be loaded progressively.

The idea is simple: separate what needs interactivity (executed on the client) from what can be static or data-driven (executed on the server).

le: separate what needs interactivity (executed on the client) from what can be static or data-driven (executed on the server).

How Do Server Components Differ from SSR and CSR?

Before diving deeper into RSC, it's important to understand the differences between the various rendering strategies in React.

CSR (Client-Side Rendering)

React loads in the browser and dynamically renders the UI. Can cause a high First Contentful Paint (FCP) since users see a blank page while data is being fetched.

SSR (Server-Side Rendering)

HTML is generated on the server and sent fully rendered to the client. Improves SEO and initial load times. The UI still needs to go through hydration on the client to become interactive.

RSC (React Server Components)

Only the rendered output is sent to the client—no JavaScript at all. No hydration needed, reducing the JavaScript footprint. Can access databases and APIs directly without extra fetch calls. Cannot handle interactivity (events like onClick must be managed by Client Components).

How Do React Server Components Work?

To use RSC, we need to separate our components into Server Components and Client Components.

Server Components

• Can fetch data directly from a database or API.
• Never run on the client and cannot handle user interactions.
• Reduce the amount of JavaScript sent to the browser.

Client Components

• Must be explicitly marked with "use client".
• Can use useState, useEffect, onClick, and other React hooks.
• Required for interactive features

Practical Example

In this example: ProductList is a Server Component that fetches data directly from the server. AddToCartButton is a Client Component because it requires onClick interactions.

When Should You Use React Server Components?

RSCs are ideal for:

Large data lists → Since they don’t require hydration, they load faster. Non-interactive components → Headers, static lists, tables, etc. Apps that rely on SSR → Reducing the amount of JavaScript sent to the client.

However, not everything should be a Server Component. If a component requires interactivity, it should be a Client Component.

Benefits of React Server Components

Less JavaScript on the client → The browser loads less code, improving performance. Direct database access → No need for extra fetch requests on the client. Supports UI streaming → React can send parts of the UI progressively. Better integration with frameworks like Next.js → Next.js already supports RSC alongside other optimizations.

Challenges and Limitations

Cannot use state hooks (useState, useEffect) → No direct interactivity. Cannot access the DOM directly → No document.querySelector() or similar. Still not widely adopted → Many projects still rely on traditional SSR.

Conclusion

React Server Components are one of the biggest shifts in how we build React applications. They make apps faster and more efficient by reducing the amount of JavaScript sent to the client and improving the user experience.

If you work with React, especially with Next.js, it's worth experimenting with this approach and understanding how it can improve your project's scalability.

What do you think about React Server Components? Have you tested them in a project yet? Let’s discuss in the comments!