Initial Page Load and First Contentful Paint (FCP): On the server, we can generate HTML to allow users to view the page immediately, without waiting for the client to download, parse and execute the JavaScript needed to render the page.
Data Fetching: Server Components allow you to move data fetching to the server, closer to your data source. This can improve performance by reducing the time it takes to fetch data needed for rendering, and the number of requests the client needs to make.
Security: Server Components allow you to keep sensitive data and logic on the server, such as tokens and API keys, without the risk of exposing them to the client.
Caching: By rendering on the server, the result can be cached and reused on subsequent requests and across users. This can improve performance and reduce cost by reducing the amount of rendering and data fetching done on each request.
Bundle Sizes: Server Components allow you to keep large dependencies that previously would impact the client JavaScript bundle size on the server. This is beneficial for users with slower internet or less powerful devices, as the client does not have to download, parse and execute any JavaScript for Server Components.
Streaming: Server Components allow you to split the rendering work into chunks and stream them to the client as they become ready. This allows the user to see parts of the page earlier without having to wait for the entire page to be rendered on the server.
Search Engine Optimization and Social Network Shareability: The rendered HTML can be used by search engine bots to index your pages and social network bots to generate social card previews for your pages.
Accessibility: Since the HTML content is initially rendered on the server, users with disabilities using assistive technologies can access your content more easily.
Social Sharing: When users share links to your pages on social media, the shared links contain meaningful content, titles, and descriptions due to the pre-rendered HTML.
Performance: While client-side rendering is still used for dynamic updates, SSR helps reduce the load on the client's device and allows for more efficient use of resources.