[v1] Understanding React Server Components and Their Benefits

React Server Components are a significant advancement in modern web development, optimizing applications for faster loads, better performance, and an enhanced user experience. Unlike traditional components rendered in the browser, server components are executed on the server, reducing the client-side workload and improving overall performance. This division of labor underscores their importance in high-traffic applications where every millisecond of load time counts.

One of the standout features of React Server Components is the ability to bring data fetching closer to the source. By integrating data retrieval within server components, developers can eliminate unnecessary API calls, leading to more efficient data management and reduced latency. This approach not only simplifies the codebase but also ensures that users receive the latest data without significant delays, enriching their interactions with the application.

Security is inherently enhanced with server-side rendering, as critical business logic and sensitive data management reside on the server rather than being exposed to the client. React Server Components facilitate this by keeping vital operations server-side, mitigating risks of data breaches and unauthorized access. As a result, applications become more secure and resilient against a variety of cyber threats.

From a development perspective, React Server Components significantly streamline the workflow. The integration with existing React applications is seamless, aiding in gradual adoption without demanding a complete overhaul of existing projects. This interoperability ensures that teams can progressively benefit from server components, enjoying performance gains and an improved developer experience.

FAQ

Other related articles

Dear Client, I'm Leaving You
React Summit 2022React Summit 2022
21 min
Dear Client, I'm Leaving You
Liad Yosef discusses the importance and evolution of server-side rendering, highlighting its benefits such as improved performance and SEO. He explores different rendering strategies and the challenges of hydration in React. He introduces SuspenseSSL in React 18 as a solution for fetching data in advance and selectively hydrating components. He also mentions React Server Component as a game changer for reducing bundle size in rendering with React.
Practice TypeScript Techniques Building React Server Components App
TypeScript Congress 2023TypeScript Congress 2023
131 min
Practice TypeScript Techniques Building React Server Components App
Workshop
Maurice de Beijer
Maurice de Beijer
In this hands-on workshop, Maurice will personally guide you through a series of exercises designed to empower you with a deep understanding of React Server Components and the power of TypeScript. Discover how to optimize your applications, improve performance, and unlock new possibilities.
 
During the workshop, you will:
- Maximize code maintainability and scalability with advanced TypeScript practices
- Unleash the performance benefits of React Server Components, surpassing traditional approaches
- Turbocharge your TypeScript with the power of Mapped Types
- Make your TypeScript types more secure with Opaque Types
- Explore the power of Template Literal Types when using Mapped Types
 
Maurice will virtually be by your side, offering comprehensive guidance and answering your questions as you navigate each exercise. By the end of the workshop, you'll have mastered React Server Components, armed with a newfound arsenal of TypeScript knowledge to supercharge your React applications.
 
Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your React expertise to new heights. Join our workshop and unlock the potential of React Server Components with TypeScript. Your apps will thank you.
React Server Components
React Day Berlin 2023React Day Berlin 2023
27 min
React Server Components
Watch video: React Server Components
React server components solve the problem of interrupting user interfaces caused by CPU-bound or network-bound web applications. They allow for read-only content to be rendered on the server and interactive elements to be shipped to the client, reducing code shipped and improving performance. Server-side rendering and server-side fetching improve the user experience by reducing delays and flash of unstyled content. Soft navigation with server components enables re-rendering without hard navigation, and using frameworks like Next.js helps with debugging and deployment challenges.
Server Components to the Rescue: Turbocharging and Empowering Your React Apps with Style
React Summit US 2023React Summit US 2023
16 min
Server Components to the Rescue: Turbocharging and Empowering Your React Apps with Style
Watch video: Server Components to the Rescue: Turbocharging and Empowering Your React Apps with Style
Welcome to the server components to the rescue, turbo charging and empowering your React application with style. React server components were introduced three years ago, providing an easy-to-maintain and quick-to-build solution with improved metrics and user experience. By using server-side rendering, there is no need to download code to the client at startup. Server components reduce the cost of attractions and provide a unified solution. The future of React server components includes improving state synchronization, allowing server components to re-render in response to state changes, and enabling fluid UI updates without page refresh.
A Practical Guide for Migrating to Server Components
React Advanced 2023React Advanced 2023
28 min
A Practical Guide for Migrating to Server Components
Top Content
Watch video: A Practical Guide for Migrating to Server Components
React query version five is live and we'll be discussing the migration process to server components using Next.js and React Query. The process involves planning, preparing, and setting up server components, migrating pages, adding layouts, and moving components to the server. We'll also explore the benefits of server components such as reducing JavaScript shipping, enabling powerful caching, and leveraging the features of the app router. Additionally, we'll cover topics like handling authentication, rendering in server components, and the impact on server load and costs.
Server Components: The Epic Tale of Rendering UX
React Summit 2023React Summit 2023
26 min
Server Components: The Epic Tale of Rendering UX
Top Content
Watch video: Server Components: The Epic Tale of Rendering UX
This Talk introduces server components in React, which provide an intermediate format for rendering and offer advantages for both client-side and server-side rendering. Server components reduce bundle size on the client and improve search engine optimization. They abstract the rendering process, allowing for faster rendering and flexibility in choosing where to render components. While server components are still in the experimental stage, Next.js is a good starting point to try them out.
Building Reusable Server Components in NextJS
React Summit US 2023React Summit US 2023
88 min
Building Reusable Server Components in NextJS
Workshop
Will Bishop
Mettin Parzinski
2 authors
React continues to evolve their beta capability, React Server Components, and they're continuing to further develop them in partnership with frameworks like NextJS.In this workshop, attendees will learn what React Server Components are, how to effectively build and use them in NextJS, and focus on one of the major advantages of React/NextJS: reusability through components.We will also cover related beta technologies enabled by the `app` directory, such as nested layouts and server actions (alpha/experimental capability).Join us for this hands-on, 120 minute workshop!Technologies:
React, JavaScript/Typescript, NextJS, Miro
React Server Components from Scratch
React Summit US 2023React Summit US 2023
29 min
React Server Components from Scratch
Watch video: React Server Components from Scratch
This Talk introduces React Server Components and provides a step-by-step guide on building and rendering them. It explores the capabilities of server components, including interactivity and streaming. The Talk also covers the process of incorporating client-side rendering and the challenges of bundling and mapping client components. Additionally, it discusses the importance of supporting React Server Components and the ongoing efforts to integrate them with different bundlers.
Simplifying Server Components
React Advanced 2023React Advanced 2023
27 min
Simplifying Server Components
Top Content
Watch video: Simplifying Server Components
React server components simplify server-side rendering and provide a mental model of components as pure functions. Using React as a library for server components allows for building a basic RSC server and connecting it to an SSR server. RSC responses are serialized virtual DOM that offload code from the client and handle interactivity. The client manifest maps serialized placeholders to real components on the client, enabling dynamic rendering. Server components combine the best of classic web development and progressive enhancement, offering the advantage of moving logic from the client to the server.
Next.js for React.js Developers
React Day Berlin 2023React Day Berlin 2023
157 min
Next.js for React.js Developers
Top Content
Workshop
Adrian Hajdin
Adrian Hajdin
In this advanced Next.js workshop, we will delve into key concepts and techniques that empower React.js developers to harness the full potential of Next.js. We will explore advanced topics and hands-on practices, equipping you with the skills needed to build high-performance web applications and make informed architectural decisions.
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:1. Understand the benefits of React Server Components and their role in building interactive, server-rendered React applications.2. Differentiate between Edge and Node.js runtime in Next.js and know when to use each based on your project's requirements.3. Explore advanced Server-Side Rendering (SSR) techniques, including streaming, parallel vs. sequential fetching, and data synchronization.4. Implement caching strategies for enhanced performance and reduced server load in Next.js applications.5. Utilize React Actions to handle complex server mutation.6. Optimize your Next.js applications for SEO, social sharing, and overall performance to improve discoverability and user engagement.
Bringing React Server Components to React Native
React Day Berlin 2023React Day Berlin 2023
29 min
Bringing React Server Components to React Native
Top Content
Watch video: Bringing React Server Components to React Native
React Server Components (RSC) offer a more accessible approach within the React model, addressing challenges like big initial bundle size and unnecessary data over the network. RSC can benefit React Native development by adding a new server layer and enabling faster requests. They also allow for faster publishing of changes in mobile apps and can be integrated into federated super apps. However, implementing RSC in mobile apps requires careful consideration of offline-first apps, caching, and Apple's review process.
React Server Components Unleashed: A Deep Dive into Next-Gen Web Development
React Day Berlin 2023React Day Berlin 2023
149 min
React Server Components Unleashed: A Deep Dive into Next-Gen Web Development
Workshop
Maurice de Beijer
Maurice de Beijer
Get ready to supercharge your web development skills with React Server Components! In this immersive, 3-hour workshop, we'll unlock the full potential of this revolutionary technology and explore how it's transforming the way developers build lightning-fast, efficient web applications.
Join us as we delve into the exciting world of React Server Components, which seamlessly blend server-side rendering with client-side interactivity for unparalleled performance and user experience. You'll gain hands-on experience through practical exercises, real-world examples, and expert guidance on how to harness the power of Server Components in your own projects.
Throughout the workshop, we'll cover essential topics, including:- Understanding the differences between Server and Client Components- Implementing Server Components to optimize data fetching and reduce JavaScript bundle size- Integrating Server and Client Components for a seamless user experience- Strategies for effectively passing data between components and managing state- Tips and best practices for maximizing the performance benefits of React Server Components
Hydration, Islands, Streaming, Resumability… Oh My!
React Advanced 2023React Advanced 2023
26 min
Hydration, Islands, Streaming, Resumability… Oh My!
Watch video: Hydration, Islands, Streaming, Resumability… Oh My!
Today's Talk introduces the concepts of hydration and off islands, explores the benefits of islands for enhancing server-side rendered HTML with client-side JavaScript, discusses the lazy approach of re-zoomability and its advantages over traditional hydration, highlights the use of resumability and concurrent React for improved rendering performance, examines the features and concerns of React server components, touches on the co-location of client and server code, and explores future trends in rendering and navigation. The Talk also reflects on past ideas and emphasizes the importance of identifying core metrics for performance optimization.
Hydrogen: An Early Look at Server Components in the Wild
React Advanced 2022React Advanced 2022
7 min
Hydrogen: An Early Look at Server Components in the Wild
Hydrogen and server components are being used by big merchants in production sites to build headless storefronts quickly. React 18 introduces server components that allow for interactive rendering without adding anything to the bundle. However, not all libraries are compatible and data fetching can slow down the site, but React provides suspense to handle heavy components. Server components offer great encapsulation and fast rendering via HTML, and the future of headless is promising with technologies like Edgeworkers and hosting platforms like Oxygen. Shopify is hiring and offers a demo shop with server components at addogen.new.
Zero Bundle Size Server Components
React Advanced 2022React Advanced 2022
17 min
Zero Bundle Size Server Components
React Server Components is a recent feature introduced with the React team and launched with Next.js 12. They allow for rendering components on the server, improving performance and data fetching. Server components can be used alongside client-side rendering and provide direct access to server resources. However, they are still in the experimental stage and have some limitations, such as not being able to use hooks or event handlers. Challenges include importing server components in client components and making third-party API calls.
Why Redwood Adopted React Server Components
React Summit US 2023React Summit US 2023
33 min
Why Redwood Adopted React Server Components
Watch video: Why Redwood Adopted React Server Components
Redwood is a full stack web app framework built with React, GraphQL, and Prisma. It prioritizes conventions and maintainability, and collaborates closely with the React team. Redwood offers full-stack features, including real-time functionality without WebSockets. The Bighorn Epoch is a new phase in Redwood's roadmap. Redwood is excited about the possibilities of React Server Components and wants to collaborate with the community.
React Server Components - Under the Hood
React Advanced 2021React Advanced 2021
19 min
React Server Components - Under the Hood
This talk provides an overview of React Server Components. It explores rendering the root element, using react-read-in-a-tree to read the webpack manifest, and performing work and JSON serialization. The talk also discusses the drain handler and client-side components, as well as challenges and future improvements in React Server Components.
Living on the Edge
React Advanced 2021React Advanced 2021
36 min
Living on the Edge
The Talk discusses the future of React and introduces new APIs, including streaming rendering and server components. React Suspense allows for asynchronous loading of components and data fetching. The use of serverless computing, specifically Cloudflare Workers, is explored as a way to improve performance. The Talk emphasizes the potential for simplifying the React ecosystem and the excitement about the new API.
The Gateway to Backend: A Frontend Developer's Guide to Full-Stack Development
React Summit US 2023React Summit US 2023
160 min
The Gateway to Backend: A Frontend Developer's Guide to Full-Stack Development
Top Content
WorkshopFree
Amy Dutton
Amy Dutton
This workshop will guide you through the product development life cycle of creating a real-world web application. You will learn about React Server Components, building a design system within Storybook, and using frontend development to approach becoming a full-stack developer. The workshop will cover increasing confidence in your application with unit tests and implementing authentication and authorization. You'll have the opportunity to work through product features and examine a real-world RedwoodJS project, gaining valuable experience in real-world product development. RedwoodJS makes it simple to approach full-stack development, and this workshop will give you the skills you need to create your own real-world web applications.
Create an Application Backend in Clicks with the Amplify Admin UI
JSNation Live 2021JSNation Live 2021
29 min
Create an Application Backend in Clicks with the Amplify Admin UI
Today's talk introduces the AWS Amplify Admin UI and low code development, which aims to simplify backend web development. The AWS Amplify Admin UI is a powerful tool backed by AWS services, allowing users to create a database schema visually and test locally. The Amplify CLI and Datastore enable developers to link the backend to their code easily. Low code development in Amplify makes coding more accessible and fun. Amplify offers benefits such as direct use of AWS services, extensibility, and excellent GraphQL service. Other interesting topics include server-side rendering support, environmental management, and support for Node.js and Python in AWS Amplify.