Nextjs 13 Server actions or APIs

Next.js Server Actions are a new feature introduced in Next.js 13 that allows you to run server code without having to create an API endpoint. In this article, we'll learn how to use them!

Introduction

Next.js 13 introduced a powerful new feature called server actions that allows executing server-side code without needing dedicated API endpoints. But how do server actions compare to traditional REST APIs? What are the key differences in use cases and when should each be used? This post will provide an in-depth look.

We'll start by defining what exactly server actions are, then explore common uses for REST APIs. We’ll highlight major differences between the two approaches and outline factors to consider when deciding which one best fits your application's needs. By the end, you should have a solid understanding of how server actions and APIs differ and when leveraging one over the other makes the most sense.

What are Server Actions?

Server actions are asynchronous JavaScript functions annotated with the "use server" directive. This marks them to execute on the server when called from client components.

Use cases include:

• Writing to databases

• Sending emails

• Calling external APIs

• Other tasks requiring server execution

For example:

// Server action for saving data
'use server'

async function saveDraft(data) {
  'use server'
  await db.insert(data)
}

Benefits include:

• No API boilerplate required

• Bundled with Next.js framework

• Typed inputs/outputs

• Shared context with client code

Overall, server actions allow running server code without needing dedicated APIs.

Traditional Uses of APIs

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) enable client-server communication for CRUD operations, middleware, microservices, and more. They provide an interface layer that separates backend services and data from frontends.

Common examples include:

• REST APIs for core functionality like user management

• Content APIs for rendering pages

• Specialized microservices for tasks like payment processing

Benefits include:

• Flexibility to leverage existing infrastructure

• Reuse across platforms

• Decoupled client/server code

• Configuring public access

APIs have long served as a scalable approach for web application architectures.

Key Differences

While server actions can execute server code, they differ from traditional APIs in a few key ways:

• Server actions utilize Next.js framework codebase rather than separate API codebase

• APIs enable configurable public access while server actions only callable internally

• APIs are reusable across applications and platforms unlike tightly coupled server actions

• APIs are stateless by nature whereas server actions can manage state

The distinctions have implications for when one or the other becomes the preferable approach.

Use Cases and Deciding Factors

For simple DB write operations like saving user preferences, server actions make sense. No need for dedicated API when functionality is standardized and internal-only.

However public REST APIs are better suited for reusable services needed by an ecosystem of apps. If internal services already exist, best to leverage them vs rebuild with server actions.

For internal tools, admin panels, and dashboards, server actions shine. No external exposure needed and easy to spin up new flows as needed.

Building a public API backend? Traditional REST API best leverages existing standards, documentation, infrastructure.

In summary, consider access requirements, complexity, team skills, and existing code. Server actions for simple internal uses. Traditional APIs for complex reusable services.

Conclusion

While server actions and traditional APIs take different approaches, both have appropriate uses. Evaluating requirements and constraints helps determine best choice when designing new features.

Ultimately Next.js 13 provides the flexibility to leverage server actions and APIs based on the needs at hand. The two approaches are complementary for delivering robust, scalable web applications.

Hopefully this overview has provided greater clarity on how server actions and APIs differ. When in doubt, consider reach, complexity and team strengths to determine what fits best. Next.js empowers you to use APIs and server actions interchangeably depending on the situation at hand.