Performance Optimization for Modern Web Apps

Performance is a feature. Users expect instant interactions. We explore techniques like code splitting, lazy loading, and edge caching to ensure your web app performs at the speed of thought.

Why Speed Matters

Amazon found that every 100ms of latency cost them 1% in sales. Speed equals revenue. Beyond economics, performance is about accessibility; ensuring your site works for users on slower connections or older devices.

Mastering Core Web Vitals

Google's Core Web Vitals (LCP, INP, CLS) are the new gold standard. They measure the user experience of loading, interactivity, and visual stability. Optimizing for these metrics directly impacts your search ranking and user retention.

Next-Gen Image Optimization

Images often account for the bulk of page weight. Using formats like WebP and AVIF, along with the `next/image` component, allows us to serve optimized assets automatically. Don't forget `sizes` attributes to ensure mobile devices don't download desktop-sized images.

Code Splitting & Lazy Loading

Sending a massive JS bundle to the client is a recipe for slow TTI (Time to Interactive). Modern frameworks like Next.js handle code splitting by default, but developers must be mindful of lazy loading heavy components and libraries only when needed.

Conclusion

Performance optimization is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. By building a culture of performance, we respect our users' time and attention.