React Server Components (RSC) render on the server, reducing client JavaScript while enabling direct database access. Here's how they work.
Server vs Client Components
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Data Fetching
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Mixing Server and Client
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Composition Patterns
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Streaming with Suspense
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Server Actions
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Caching and Revalidation
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Database Access
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Loading States
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Error Handling
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Best Practices
Server Components:
✓ Use for static content
✓ Direct data fetching
✓ Database queries
✓ Reduce client JS
Client Components:
✓ Event handlers (onClick, etc.)
✓ Browser APIs
✓ State (useState, useReducer)
✓ Effects (useEffect)
Patterns:
✓ Fetch data at the top
✓ Pass to client components as props
✓ Use Suspense for streaming
✓ Server Actions for mutations
Avoid:
✗ 'use client' on everything
✗ Fetching in client components
✗ Large client bundles
✗ Waterfall requests
Conclusion
React Server Components reduce client JavaScript by rendering on the server with direct database access. Use them for data fetching and static content, while reserving Client Components for interactivity. Combine with Suspense for streaming, Server Actions for mutations, and proper caching for optimal performance. The key is choosing the right component type for each use case.