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Code & Development

React Server Components

React Server Components (RSC) are a feature of the React library that enable components to render on the server before being sent to the client. These components run in a server environment separate from the client application or SSR server, allowing them to access server-only resources such as filesystems or databases without including that code in the client bundle. The rendered output is streamed to the client as JSON UI descriptions, which the client merges with interactive Client Components without re-rendering or hydrating the server-rendered HTML. Server Components are the default in React, while Client Components require a "use client" directive to handle interactivity using hooks like useState. This architecture reduces the amount of JavaScript sent to the browser by excluding server-only code and enables asynchronous data fetching during rendering. React Server Components also preserve client state, focus, and animations when updated by merging new server props into existing Client Components.

Updated Jan 23, 2026open-source
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Overview

React Server Components allow server-side rendering of React components with direct access to server resources, reducing client bundle size and improving data fetching efficiency.

Pricing
open-source
Category
Code & Development
Company
Visual Guide
Interactive PresentationOpen Fullscreen ↗
Key Features
01
Components render on the server, enabling access to server-only resources like files or databases without bundling that code for the client.
02
Supports asynchronous operations such as reading files or loading content directly during the render phase on the server.
03
Streams the rendered output to the client as JSON UI descriptions and serialized props, allowing faster initial page loads without full hydration.
04
Server Components can dynamically select which Client Components to include, minimizing the client-side JavaScript bundle by downloading only necessary interactive code.
05
When Server Components update, React merges new server props into existing Client Components without resetting client state, focus, or animations.
Real-World Use Cases

Reducing Client Bundle Size

By rendering components on the server and excluding server-only code from client bundles, applications can reduce the amount of JavaScript sent to browsers.

Direct Server Data Fetching

Fetching data such as files or database content directly during server-side rendering without additional client-server round trips.

Building Hybrid React Applications

Composing Server Components with Client Components to balance server rendering and client interactivity.

Quick Start
1
Set Up a Framework with RSC Support
Use a framework like Next.js 13 or later by creating a new app with npx create-next-app@latest.
2
Write Server Components by Default
Create components without directives; these are Server Components by default. Add "use client" at the top of files that require browser APIs or interactivity.
3
Fetch Data Asynchronously in Server Components
Perform async operations such as reading files or loading content directly inside Server Components during render.
4
Compose Server and Client Components
Import and use Client Components inside Server Components to build interactive UI where needed.
5
Deploy to a Compatible Server or Edge Runtime
Use environments that support streaming RSC payloads, such as Vercel or Node.js with RSC plugins.
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Strategic Context for React Server Components

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Pricing
Model: open-source

React Server Components are a free feature included in the open-source React library with no paid plans.

Assessment
Strengths
  • Reduces client bundle size by excluding server-only code from browser downloads.
  • Enables direct server data fetching during render, avoiding extra client-server round trips.
  • Supports streaming of rendered output for faster initial page loads without full hydration.
  • Preserves client state and focus during Server Component updates or refetches.
  • Allows dynamic selection of Client Components per page, downloading only necessary interactive code.
Limitations
  • Server Components cannot use client-only hooks like useState or browser APIs.
Alternatives
Next.js App Router→Remix→Gatsby→SvelteKit→