React Server Components in Next.js 13
Blog post from LogRocket
React Server Components (RSCs), introduced with React 18 and Next.js 13, aim to enhance the performance and efficiency of React applications by pre-rendering components on the server. This approach results in zero bundle size for the client, improved load times, and secure handling of sensitive data as no confidential files are sent to the client. RSCs are still experimental and mainly implemented via the new App Router in Next.js, which facilitates server-side rendering (SSR) and static site generation (SSG) for better performance. While RSCs offer enhanced performance, SEO benefits, and flexibility in rendering, they also introduce complexity and limited compatibility with existing libraries. The integration of React Suspense aids in data fetching by allowing components to display fallback content while loading, and the use of Client Components alongside Server Components provides a balanced approach to application interactivity. Despite the steep learning curve, RSCs hold the potential to transform the development of React and Next.js applications by bridging server-side and client-side rendering.