React Server Components are changing how we build web applications. This essay breaks down what they are, the problems they solve, and their implications for the future.
For years, React applications have been primarily client-side, with heavy JavaScript bundles shipped to the user's browser. React Server Components (RSCs) introduce a new model. By allowing components to render exclusively on the server, RSCs can significantly reduce the amount of client-side JavaScript, leading to faster initial page loads and better performance. This essay explains the distinction between Server Components, Client Components, and Shared Components, and how they work together. We'll explore the benefits, such as direct database access from components and improved security, as well as the new challenges and mental models developers must adopt.