React Server Components
ELI5 — The Vibe Check
React Server Components run on the server and send zero JavaScript to the browser. It's like your component does all its thinking backstage and only sends the finished HTML to the audience. Database queries in a component? Sure, the client never knows.
Real Talk
React Server Components (RSC) are a React paradigm where components execute on the server, streaming rendered output to the client without shipping their JavaScript bundle. They can directly access server resources like databases and filesystems while seamlessly composing with client components.
When You'll Hear This
"RSC let us query the database right in the component" / "The mental model of server vs client components takes a while to click"
Related Terms
Server Actions
Server Actions let you write a function in your React component that magically runs on the server when called.
Streaming SSR
Streaming SSR sends HTML to the browser as it's generated, not all at once.
Suspense
Suspense is React's way of saying 'hold on, something is loading, show this placeholder instead of crashing.