Understanding React Server Components

React Server Components (RSC) represent a paradigm shift in how we build React applications. They allow you to write components that run exclusively on the server.

Key Benefits

1. Zero Bundle Size: Server components don't add to the JavaScript bundle sent to the client.
2. Direct Backend Access: You can access your database or file system directly from your components.
3. Improved Performance: By doing more work on the server, you reduce the load on the client device.

How it Works

Traditionally, React apps render on the client (CSR) or strictly pre-render HTML (SSR). RSCs allow a hybrid approach where some components render on the server and stream to the client as specific UI updates, while others remain interactive client components.

This hybrid model offers the best of both worlds: the interactivity of client-side apps and the performance of server-side rendering.