In 2024, the size of JavaScript is exploding. Are we ignoring the fact that the average web page now reaches several megabytes? This change has significant implications for both developers and users. As JavaScript bundle sizes exceed 1MB, let’s explore how this affects web page performance and how to optimize it.
Causes of JavaScript Expansion
Modern websites require more functionalities and interactions. This naturally leads to an increase in JavaScript code. For instance, from simple blogs to complex applications, all websites use JavaScript to provide a rich user experience.
- Wikipedia: JavaScript size 0.2MB
- Linear: JavaScript size 3MB
- Zoom: JavaScript size 6MB
These examples illustrate how quickly JavaScript sizes are growing.
Importance of JavaScript Optimization
As JavaScript sizes increase, browsers need to perform more parsing and execution tasks. This directly impacts web page loading times and performance. Developers can consider the following methods to optimize web page performance.
- Load only necessary parts through code splitting
- Asynchronous loading of less frequently used code
- Minimize libraries and frameworks
Specific Examples
- Google Mail: JavaScript size 20MB
- FastMail: JavaScript size 2MB
FastMail is a good example of optimization, using 10 times less JavaScript than Google Mail while providing the same functionality.
Web Performance and User Experience
The size of JavaScript on a web page affects not only download speeds but also browser parsing, memory usage, and battery life. Fast and efficient web pages play a crucial role in increasing user satisfaction and reducing bounce rates.
Specific Examples
- Google Docs: JavaScript size 13.5MB
- Notion: JavaScript size 16MB
These two examples show the complexity of document editors but also suggest that performance improvements are possible through optimization.
Conclusion
In 2024, the expansion of JavaScript presents significant challenges for web performance. Developers must address these issues through code optimization. By doing so, they can enhance user experience and maintain fast web page loading speeds. Start optimizing your web pages today to improve speed!
References: tonsky.me, “The Expansion of JavaScript in 2024”