rsc and the vision pro

Worth a read, reactjs rfc-0188-server-components.

The launch of the Apple Vision Pro marks an exciting time for app developers, reminiscent of the early 2000s boom of internet platforms. The emergence of new computing platforms like the Vision Pro paves the way for a new category of applications and development methodologies.

The recent buzz around React Server Components (RSCs) has prompted a deeper exploration beyond using them with Next.js. After delving into the RSC RFC, its specifications, and motivations, some intriguing insights emerged.

The partnership with Vercel’s Next.js seems strategic, not just for its framework capabilities but also for its integrated infrastructure layer and access to a vast array of production applications for feedback. While Remix might have appeared as a more fitting partner due to its foundation around react-router, the collaboration with Vercel opens up broader possibilities, especially at the infrastructure level.

RSC intriguingly allows React to blur the lines between the client and the server, integrating more deeply with the stack and offering benefits that were previously unattainable. Although not explicitly mentioned in the RSC RFC, this integration potentially broadens the scope of client platforms beyond just the web.

There are indications that the RSC specification allows for experimentation on different client platforms. For example, integration with React Native is reportedly feasible, which could lead to novel implementations. Could an LLM use it as a rendering engine, potentially shifting compute away from end devices? This is speculative, but with the growing interest in spatial computing, it positions React not just as a web or mobile library but possibly as a foundational technology for this next tech frontier.