Is it possible to improve page load time by loading certain CSS last?

I am brainstorming a strategy to optimize the loading speed of my website and would like some input on its effectiveness.

My current website, built with HTML, CSS, & jQuery, performs well on desktop browsers but experiences lag on mobile browsers due to heavy dynamic content.

Here is my proposed approach for structuring the HTML layout:

Header Section Loading

  • Bootstrap
  • Fonts
  • jQuery
  • Rapid.css

The rapid.css file will only include essential CSS styles such as fonts and basic body settings.

Footer Section Loading

  • JavaScript
  • jQuery docs
  • main.css

The main.css file will contain the majority of the CSS styles, reducing the initial load time.

Queries on My Strategy

  1. Will this method effectively enhance the page loading speed?

  2. What steps should I take to implement this rapid loading structure?

Answer №1

For optimal performance:

  • Prioritize loading CSS first by inline it as much as possible in the head section, rather than within the html. This method consistently speeds up the loading of css files.

  • If feasible, avoid using Bootstrap as it can add unnecessary bloat and additional server requests. If you must use it, ensure that the external css file loads before the js scripts, with jQuery loaded beforehand.

Avoid placing any JS files in the head section (except for modernizr), instead place the jQuery link right before the closing body tag. Ensure that jQuery is the first file to be loaded, followed by bootstrap js, and any additional js or jQuery code can be inline after the closing body and html tags.

In terms of fonts, consider limiting their usage for better performance. Browsers typically delay rendering text until a font is fully loaded.

One workaround is using a JS promise to initially load a standard font for display, then later load the desired font choice. However, this method may only work effectively on Chrome, FF, and potentially MS Edge, while other browsers and mobile devices may experience a FOUT.

Concatenating all CSS into a single file can also speed up loading time, especially when inlined in the head section. Aim for a file size smaller than 4kb, which seems to be the threshold for optimal loading speed.

Consider implementing deferred or lazy loading for images, particularly large ones. Follow Google's approach of initially displaying a blurred small image to improve user experience and loading times.

Answer №2

There are several strategies and tricks to enhance website speed. Here are a few:

  • Implement Compression
  • Utilize browser caching
  • Minimize Resources (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript)
  • Optimize Graphics
  • Eliminate Render-Blocking JavaScript
  • Integrate a Content Delivery Network (CDN)
  • List item

Additional resources:

  • See Google Developers for more insights and tools.
  • PageSpeed Insights is a useful tool for evaluating your website performance.
  • Pingdom Tools offer excellent performance evaluation tools as well.

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