I Stopped Fighting React Server Components — Here's What Finally Made It

Short summary

React Server Components are a server rendering layer that reduces JavaScript bundle size—unlike traditional SSR which hydrates client-side, RSC renders on the server producing an RSC Payload with zero client-side code. Compose server and client components using the "use client" boundary; most UI can stay server-side for better performance. Mental shift: your app spans two environments (server and browser) with a boundary determining which components run where.

• •RSC is a new rendering layer, not a restriction—server components can't use useState, useEffect, or browser APIs because they don't run in the browser
• •Composition not replacement: server components render directly and ship zero JavaScript; only interactive pieces need "use client"
• •Mental model: your app spans two environments (server and browser) with a "use client" boundary determining component distribution

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