Fine Grained Everything, and what comes after React Server Components

Rich Harris, the creator of Svelte, discussed on the PodRocket podcast how the future of frontend performance improvements lies in adopting better primitives rather than relying on micro-optimizations. He highlighted the challenges posed by server/client architectures that inadvertently increase server load and data transfer, despite applications appearing efficient during development. Harris criticized the re-rendering and diffing model of React, which often results in unnecessary data recomputation and transfer, advocating instead for SvelteKit’s approach of requesting only the data that has changed. This method, akin to an RPC model, minimizes network activity and server-side recomputation. He emphasized that the developer experience is crucial, where frameworks should simplify the mental divide between server and client components and assist in managing asynchronous tasks, thus freeing developers from intricate machinery concerns like Suspense and Transition. Harris also noted the increasing significance of defaults and discoverability in frameworks, particularly as more developers utilize AI agents, and stressed the need for frameworks to provide clear paths to avoid risky architectural decisions. The discussion is available in full on platforms like YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify, alongside a recommendation to subscribe to The Replay newsletter for updates in frontend development and AI tools.