Next.js 16 Caching with 'use cache' Directive

Paradigm Shift: Dynamic by Default

For understanding how caching interacts with Server Components and their rendering lifecycle, use the REACT-COMPONENTS-server-components skill from the react-19 plugin.

Next.js 16 introduces a fundamental change in how caching works:

Next.js 15 and Earlier:

• Everything cached by default
• Opt-out with dynamic = 'force-dynamic', no-store, or revalidate
• Complex mental model with surprising behaviors

Next.js 16:

• Everything dynamic by default
• Opt-in to caching with 'use cache' directive
• Explicit and predictable caching behavior

This is the most significant paradigm shift in Next.js 16 and affects every application.