Actions vs API Routes

Server Actions are direct server calls from React. API Routes are HTTP endpoints for external clients.

Server Actions

• Run on the server without HTTP.
• Called via forms or direct imports.
• For internal mutations and UI workflows.
• Not publicly accessible; no client bundle JS.
• Full access to DB, cookies, and secrets.

API Routes (Route Handlers)

• HTTP endpoints callable by any client.
• Use for external APIs, integrations, webhooks, mobile.
• Full HTTP surface: status, headers, CORS, streaming.

export function POST(request) {
  return Response.json({ ok: true });
}

Key differences

• Protocol: React vs HTTP.
• Access: internal UI vs public/external.
• Overhead: no fetch vs network request.
• Purpose: mutations vs integrations.