Code splitting is a technique to break down your JavaScript bundle into smaller files, improving page load time. This blog will guide you through the concept and best practices for code splitting.
What is code splitting?
Code splitting is the process of splitting your JavaScript bundle into smaller chunks that can be loaded on demand, reducing initial load time.
How does code splitting improve page load time?
By only loading the necessary code for the current page, code splitting reduces the amount of data the browser has to load initially, improving performance.
Dynamic Imports
Dynamic imports allow you to load JavaScript modules only when they are needed, ensuring that only the necessary code is loaded initially. Read more
Lazy Loading
Lazy loading is a technique that loads code only when it's required by the user, further improving performance by deferring non-critical resources. Read more
Webpack Code Splitting
Webpack provides built-in support for code splitting, allowing you to define entry points and split your JavaScript files into smaller bundles. Read more
1. Use Dynamic Imports to Split Code
Use dynamic imports to load code only when it's needed, such as when a user navigates to a new page or interacts with a component.
2. Leverage Webpack's SplitChunks Plugin
Webpack's SplitChunksPlugin can be used to split vendor libraries and other common dependencies into separate chunks, allowing for better caching.
3. Implement Lazy Loading for Non-Critical Resources
Lazy load images, styles, and other non-essential resources to ensure that they are only loaded when the user interacts with them.
4. Avoid Large Bundle Sizes
Keep your JavaScript bundles small by removing unnecessary code, optimizing dependencies, and splitting larger files.
5. Test and Monitor Performance
Regularly test your site's performance using tools like Lighthouse or WebPageTest to ensure that code splitting is improving load times.
Code splitting is an essential technique for improving website performance. By implementing code splitting and lazy loading, you can reduce initial load times and provide a faster, more efficient browsing experience.
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