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The Advantages of Using `use server` Instead of `use client` in Next.js

Discover why using `use server` can improve performance, security, and code organization in Next.js applications.

Use Server vs Use Client

Next.js has continuously evolved to provide an increasingly optimized experience for modern web applications. With the introduction of React Server Components (RSC), the use server directive plays a crucial role in efficient application development. But why should you prioritize use server over use client? In this article, we'll explore the main advantages of this approach.

⚡ 1. Better Performance and Load Time

When using use server, operations are executed on the server, preventing unnecessary code from being sent to the client. This results in:

  • Less JavaScript in the browser, reducing page load time.
  • Faster rendering, since data is processed on the server before reaching the user.

Unlike use client, where all logic is processed on the client side, use server allows for a more efficient and lightweight initial load.

🔒 2. Increased Security

Running code on the server means sensitive data doesn't need to be exposed to the client. With use server, you can keep API calls, database interactions, and authorization logic out of the user's reach, minimizing risks such as:

  • Exposure of tokens and credentials.
  • Manipulation of requests directly in the browser.
  • Vulnerabilities in frontend code.

📉 3. Reduced Bundle Size

One of the major issues in frontend applications is bundle size. The larger the code sent to the client, the longer the loading time and the worse the user experience. With use server, we can keep logic on the backend, significantly reducing the JavaScript delivered to the client.

Additionally, Next.js performs automatic tree-shaking, removing unnecessary code to optimize loading.

🛠 4. Better Developer Experience

Working with use server allows for:

  • More organized code, separating frontend and backend responsibilities.
  • Better scalability, as backend logic can be distributed and optimized without directly impacting the client.
  • Easier database integration, since we can directly call ORMs (Prisma, TypeORM, Drizzle) without exposing REST or GraphQL APIs in the frontend.

🔍 5. SEO Efficiency and SSR (Server-Side Rendering)

Using use server allows pages to be pre-rendered on the server, bringing benefits such as:

  • Better SEO, as search engines index fully rendered content.
  • Efficient SSR, where data arrives ready to the user, avoiding additional JavaScript loads.

This is especially useful for blogs, e-commerce platforms, and any application that relies on good Google ranking.

📌 When Should You Use use client?

Despite the advantages of use server, there are cases where use client is still necessary, such as:

  • UI interactivity, like local states, click events, animations, and dynamic forms.
  • Components that require React hooks, such as useState, useEffect, and useContext.
  • Interactive components that do not depend on server-side data, such as sliders and dropdown menus.

The main idea is to balance the use of use server for heavy processing and security, while use client should only be used where frontend interactivity is essential.

🚀 Conclusion

use server brings a more efficient and secure approach to Next.js applications, reducing bundle size, improving performance, and facilitating code organization. Choosing between use server and use client should be based on the application context, but prioritizing server-side processing whenever possible is a best practice.

If you're building modern applications with Next.js, take advantage of use server to create faster and more scalable experiences! 🚀