Introduction

API calls are evolving in Next.js 15! 🚀 With the introduction of React Server Actions, developers can now handle server-side logic without traditional API routes. This simplifies data fetching, improves performance, and enhances security.

In this post, we'll explore what React Server Actions are, how they work in Next.js 15, and why they might replace many traditional API calls.

1️⃣ What Are React Server Actions?

React Server Actions are server-side functions that can be called directly from client components without exposing API endpoints. They help reduce the need for fetch() calls and simplify backend logic within Next.js apps.

Key Benefits:

✅ No need to create separate API routes

✅ Automatically run on the server

✅ Reduce client-side JavaScript bundle size

✅ Improve security by keeping logic server-side

2️⃣ How Do React Server Actions Work?

React Server Actions work seamlessly with the App Router in Next.js 15. You define them as async functions inside a server component and use them directly in client components.

Example: Handling Form Submission with Server Actions

Step 1: Define a Server Action

Create a server action inside a server component (actions.ts).

"use server";

export async function createUser(formData: FormData) {
  const name = formData.get("name");
  const email = formData.get("email");

  await fetch("https://api.example.com/users", {
    method: "POST",
    body: JSON.stringify({ name, email }),
  });
}

Step 2: Use It in a Client Component

Call the server action inside a client component.

"use client";
import { useState } from "react";
import { createUser } from "./actions";

export default function UserForm() {
  const [message, setMessage] = useState("");

  async function handleSubmit(formData) {
    await createUser(formData);
    setMessage("User created successfully!");
  }

  return (
    <form action={handleSubmit}>
      <input name="name" required />
      <input name="email" required />
      <button type="submit">Create Userbutton>
      <p>{message}p>
    form>
  );
}

3️⃣ Why Use React Server Actions Instead of API Routes?

With traditional Next.js API routes (pages/api or app/api), you need:

  • A separate API file
  • A fetch() call in the frontend
  • Error handling logic for API responses

With React Server Actions:
✅ Less boilerplate (no need for an extra API route)

✅ Faster execution (runs directly on the server)

✅ Improved security (server-side logic isn’t exposed)

4️⃣ When Should You Use React Server Actions?

Best Use Cases:

✔️ Form submissions (e.g., login, sign-up, contact forms)

✔️ Database mutations (e.g., inserting or updating data)

✔️ Triggering server-side logic without extra API routes

When to Avoid:

❌ When you need real-time updates (use WebSockets or Server-Sent Events)

❌ When integrating with external APIs that require extensive request handling

5️⃣ Conclusion: The Future of API Calls?

React Server Actions in Next.js 15 offer a more streamlined approach to handling API calls. They make development easier, faster, and more secure by eliminating unnecessary API routes.

🚀 What do you think about React Server Actions? Will you be using them in your Next.js projects? Let me know in the comments! 💬