Understanding React Server Components in Next.js 14

React Server Components (RSCs) represent a paradigm shift in how we build React applications. In this article, we'll explore how they work in Next.js 14 and why they matter.

What Are React Server Components?

Server Components are a new type of React component that run exclusively on the server. Unlike traditional client components, they:

• Don't include any client-side JavaScript
• Can access server-side resources directly
• Can't use hooks or browser APIs
• Can't have event handlers

This approach offers several key advantages:

1. Reduced Bundle Size: Server Components aren't included in the JavaScript sent to the client, resulting in smaller bundles and faster page loads.
2. Direct Backend Access: Server Components can directly access databases, file systems, and other server resources without additional API layers.
3. Improved Security: Sensitive operations and data can be handled on the server, away from the client.

Server Components in Next.js 14

Next.js 14 makes Server Components the default. When you create a new component in the App Router, it's automatically a Server Component unless specified otherwise.

// This is a Server Component by default
export default function ProductList() {
  // We can use server-side code directly
  const products = await fetchProductsFromDatabase();

  return (
    <ul>
      {products.map(product => (
        <li key={product.id}>{product.name}</li>
      ))}
    </ul>
  );
}