rsc-composition-patterns
React Server Components architecture patterns for Next.js 14+ with server-first development. PROACTIVELY activate for: (1) deciding Server vs Client Component boundaries, (2) composing components with 'use client', (3) managing interactivity patterns. Triggers: "server component", "client component", "'use client'"
What this skill does
# React Server Components Composition Patterns
## Core Principle: Server-First
**DEFAULT**: All components are Server Components unless they need:
- State (`useState`, `useReducer`)
- Effects (`useEffect`, `useLayoutEffect`)
- Event handlers (`onClick`, `onChange`)
- Browser APIs (`window`, `localStorage`)
- React hooks (custom hooks that use the above)
## The 'use client' Boundary Rule
```tsx
// BAD: 'use client' at top level (forces entire tree to be client-rendered)
// app/dashboard/page.tsx
'use client'
export default function Dashboard() {
const [count, setCount] = useState(0);
return <div>{/* entire page is now client-rendered */}</div>;
}
// GOOD: Server Component at top, Client Component at leaf
// app/dashboard/page.tsx (Server Component - no 'use client')
import { Counter } from './Counter';
export default async function Dashboard() {
const data = await fetchData(); // Server-side data fetching
return (
<div>
<h1>Dashboard</h1>
<StaticContent data={data} /> {/* Server Component */}
<Counter /> {/* Small Client Component for interactivity */}
</div>
);
}
// app/dashboard/Counter.tsx (Client Component - only this is client-rendered)
'use client'
import { useState } from 'react';
export function Counter() {
const [count, setCount] = useState(0);
return <button onClick={() => setCount(c => c + 1)}>{count}</button>;
}
```
## Composition Pattern: Pass Server Components as Children
Server Components can be passed as `children` to Client Components:
```tsx
// ClientWrapper.tsx (Client Component)
'use client'
export function ClientWrapper({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
const [isOpen, setIsOpen] = useState(false);
return (
<div>
<button onClick={() => setIsOpen(!isOpen)}>Toggle</button>
{isOpen && children}
</div>
);
}
// page.tsx (Server Component)
export default async function Page() {
const data = await fetchServerData();
return (
<ClientWrapper>
{/* This entire subtree renders on the server! */}
<ServerRenderedContent data={data} />
</ClientWrapper>
);
}
```
**Why this works**: `children` is passed as a serialized prop (already rendered on server).
## Anti-Patterns to Avoid
**Importing Server Components into Client Components**:
```tsx
// ERROR: Cannot import Server Component into Client Component
'use client'
import { ServerComponent } from './ServerComponent'; // ERROR!
export function ClientComponent() {
return <ServerComponent />; // This will not work
}
```
**Passing Non-Serializable Props**:
```tsx
// ERROR: Cannot pass functions from Server to Client Component
export default function ServerPage() {
const handleClick = () => console.log('clicked');
return <ClientButton onClick={handleClick} />; // ERROR!
}
// GOOD: Define functions inside Client Component
'use client'
export function ClientButton() {
const handleClick = () => console.log('clicked'); // OK
return <button onClick={handleClick}>Click</button>;
}
```
## Quick Decision Tree
```
Need interactivity (state, events, hooks)?
├─ YES → Client Component ('use client')
├─ NO → Server Component (default)
Can you split the interactive part into a smaller component?
├─ YES → Keep parent as Server Component, make leaf a Client Component
├─ NO → Use Client Component but minimize its scope
```
## Performance Benefits
**Server Components**:
- Zero JavaScript sent to client (smaller bundles)
- Direct database/API access (no extra round-trip)
- Automatic code splitting
- Better SEO (pre-rendered HTML)
**Client Components** (use sparingly):
- Required for interactivity
- Adds JavaScript to bundle
- Requires serialization of props
For advanced patterns and edge cases, see `resources/advanced-rsc-patterns.md`.
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