Jul 30, 2025
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Getting Started with React Server Components in Next.js 13+: A Beginner’s Guide

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React is continually advancing, and one of its most impactful innovations is the introduction of React Server Components. Whether you’re a frontend developer or an ERP implementation consultant aiming to optimize performance and backend architecture in web applications, understanding how to implement server components is essential for modern development.

What Are React Server Components (RSCs)?

React Server Components (RSCs) are specialized components that run exclusively on the server. This architecture allows you to fetch data, perform backend tasks, and render HTML without delivering unnecessary JavaScript to the browser.

Unlike traditional Client-Side Rendering (CSR) or even Server-Side Rendering (SSR), RSCs combine the best of both, enabling:

  • Zero JavaScript for server-rendered components

  • Faster page loads

  • Smaller JavaScript bundles

  • Direct backend integration within components

Requirements Before You Start

To work with React Server Components, ensure you have:

  • React 18+

  • A supporting framework like Next.js 13+ using the app directory

  • Basic understanding of React and its component structure

Client vs Server Components: Core Differences

Feature Server Component Client Component
Executes On Server Browser
Backend Access Yes (DB, file system, etc.) No
Includes Client Components Yes No
Sends JavaScript No Yes
Hooks Support Only use All standard client hooks

How to Build React Server Components with Next.js 13+

Let’s go through a step-by-step example using Next.js — the first framework with full support for RSCs.

Step 1: Create a Next.js App

bash
npx create-next-app@latest my-rsc-app --experimental-app
cd my-rsc-app

Ensure you select App Router when prompted, which is necessary for enabling RSCs.

Step 2: Build a Server Component

Create the following file:

jsx
// app/components/PostList.server.jsx

export default async function PostList() {
const res = await fetch('https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts');
const posts = await res.json();

return (
<div>
<h2>Latest Posts</h2>
<ul>
{posts.slice(0, 5).map((post) => (
<li key={post.id}>
<strong>{post.title}</strong>
</li>
))}
</ul>
</div>
);
}

This component runs server-side only — no need for useEffect or useState.

Step 3: Use the Server Component in Your Page

jsx
// app/page.jsx

import PostList from './components/PostList.server';

export default function Home() {
return (
<main style={{ padding: '20px' }}>
<h1>Welcome to the RSC Demo</h1>
<PostList />
</main>
);
}

Your page will now fetch data server-side and deliver ready-to-render HTML to the client — no JavaScript required.

Combining Server and Client Components

Need interactivity like clicks or state updates? Use Client Components for that.

Step 4: Add a Client Component

jsx
// app/components/Counter.client.jsx

'use client';
import { useState } from 'react';

export default function Counter() {
const [count, setCount] = useState(0);
return (
<div>
<p>Count: {count}</p>
<button onClick={() => setCount(count + 1)}>Increment</button>
</div>
);
}

Use it alongside your Server Component:

jsx
// app/page.jsx

import PostList from './components/PostList.server';
import Counter from './components/Counter.client';

export default function Home() {
return (
<main>
<h1>React Server Components Demo</h1>
<Counter />
<PostList />
</main>
);
}

This approach offers the best of both worlds: fast, server-rendered content and rich, client-side interactions.

Why Use React Server Components?

✅ Better Performance
RSCs send only HTML, speeding up page loads and reducing processing on the client.

✅ Smaller JavaScript Bundles
No logic is shipped unnecessarily to the browser.

✅ Cleaner Architecture
You can write backend code — like API calls — directly inside components.

✅ Ideal for Modern Web Apps
Perfectly supports Suspense, streaming, and concurrent features in React 18+.

Important Limitations

  • No client-side hooks like useState, useEffect, or browser APIs.

  • No access to window, document, or localStorage.

  • Debugging may feel different as logic runs server-side.

Final Thoughts

React Server Components are reshaping the way modern apps are built. If you’re using Next.js 13+ or planning a new project, now’s a great time to explore RSCs. Start with simple server components and expand as needed—enjoy leaner bundles and a smoother user experience!

Booking an implementation consultant today.

eliza claire
claireeliza0088@gmail.com
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