Next.js 16 React Server Components: The Complete Production Guide React Server Components (RSC) is the biggest architectural shift since Hooks. Next.js 16 makes RSC the default—but many developers still struggle with the practical side: what goes where, how data flows, and how much performance actually improves. RSC vs Client Components Server Client Runs on Node.js/Edge Browser Database access ✅ Direct ❌ Needs API State/Effects ❌ ✅ Event handlers ❌ ✅ JS Bundle sent 0 KB Full code The key insight: Server Component code never ships to the client, but the rendered output does. The 3 Golden Rules 1. Default to Server, add 'use client' only when necessary Need interactivity? → State/Effects? → Event handlers? → Browser API? If yes → add 'use client' Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode 2. Keep Client components as leaf nodes // ✅ Good: Server page wraps Client leaf export default async function ArticlePage ({ params }) { const article = await db . article . findUnique ({ where : { id : params .…