The days of megabyte-sized JavaScript bundles are over. In 2026, the goal is simple: Zero Javascript for static content.
Rise of Server Components
With RSC, we can fetch data, render comprehensive layouts, and stream the HTML result to the client without ever sending hydration code.
- Hydration: Only interactive "Islands" (e.g., a search button, carousel) wake up.
- Payload: The initial page load is pure HTML and CSS.
The New Bundlers
Tools like Turbopack, Rspack, and others have revolutionized how we bundle. They are:
- Tree-Shaking: Incredible precision.
- Granular Splitting: Smartly splits chunks based on usage patterns.
Why This Matters
User experience (UX) is king. The fastest websites convert the best. By eliminating the "heavy lift" of parsing and executing JS on the main thread, we unlock:
- Instant Interaction: INP (Interaction to Next Paint) scores plummet.
- Mobile First: Low-end devices don't choke on your marketing page.
- Search Rankings: Google rewards speed above almost all else.
Zero JS isn't a pipe dream anymore. It's the architecture you start with today.