Performance Optimization Techniques for Modern Web Apps
Gurjeet Singh Virdee

Gurjeet Singh Virdee @gurjeetsinghvirdee

About: Software Engineer | Technical Writer | Open Source (300+ PRs) | Open for Collab

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Nov 14, 2021

Performance Optimization Techniques for Modern Web Apps

Publish Date: Jan 17
20 12

Hey there, fellow developers! 👋 Today, we're diving into the world of performance optimization for modern web apps. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, I promise you'll find some useful tips and tricks here. So. let's roll up our sleeves and make our apps blazing fast!

1. The Bundle Diet: Trimming the Fat

First things first, let's talk about bundle size. It's like packing for a trip - you want to bring only what you need. One of the easiest ways to slim down your bundle is by being selective with your imports.

Here's a quick example of using loadash:
Before

After

2. Lazy Loading: The Art of Delaying

Next up, lazy loading. This is where we tell our app, Hey, don't load everything at once. Take it easy! It's particularly useful for components that aren't immediately needed.

Here's how you can implement lazy loading in React:
Lazy Loading

This approach can significantly speed up your initial page load, especially for larger applications with many components.

3. Image Optimization: A Picture's Worth a Thousand Milliseconds

Images often make up the bulk of a page's weight. Optimizing them can lead to dramatic performance improvements. If you're using Next.js, the Image component is a game changer:
Image Optimization

This component automatically optimizes your images, converts them to modern formats like WebP, and implements lazy loading. It's like having a personal image optimizer built into your app!

4. Caching: Your App's Memory Bank

Caching is like giving your app a really good memory. Instead of fetching the same data over and over, we store it for quick access. Here's a simple example using React Query:

Caching

5. Code Splitting: Divide and Conquer

Code splitting is about breaking your app into smaller chunks that can be loaded on demand. It's particularly useful for larger applications. Here's how you can implement route-based code splitting in Next.js:
Code Splitting

This approach ensures that the dashboard component is only loaded when it's needed, reducing the initial bundle size.

Wrapping Up: The Performance Journey

Remember, performance optimization is not a one-time thing. It's an ongoing process, like tending to a garden. Keep measuring, keep tweaking, and most importantly, keep learning.

Here are some tools to help you on your performance journey:

Whether you're just starting or you've been coding for years, there's always room for improvement. So, let's make a pact: Let's build not just cool apps, but blazing-fast cool apps. Your users (and your future self) will thank you.

Happy coding, and may your load times be ever in your favour! 💻🚀

Comments 12 total

  • Khush
    KhushJan 18, 2025

    _informative _

  • Dev Tools
    Dev ToolsJan 18, 2025

    Thanks for sharing

  • Nikola Perišić
    Nikola PerišićJan 19, 2025

    Which tool you used for code snippets? It's awesome

  • Waqar Maan
    Waqar MaanJan 19, 2025

    Lazy loading defers the loading of non-essential resources (like images or iframes) until they are needed, typically when they come into view. Lazy Loaded Image
    For a .ph based website, I did performance optimization; most issues were with images

    • Gurjeet Singh Virdee
      Gurjeet Singh VirdeeJan 22, 2025

      Absolutely! Lazy loading is a game-changer for image-heavy sites. Pairing it with compression, WebP, or a CDN can boost performance even further.

  • Vesty Berty
    Vesty BertyMay 4, 2025

    Great tips! Optimization is key, especially when users expect everything to load instantly. While working on a PH-based website, I also had to streamline official services like this one for police clearance renewals: policeclearancesonline.ph/police-c...

  • Hassan Mukhtiar
    Hassan MukhtiarJul 9, 2025

    Awesome breakdown! We recently applied similar optimization techniques on phclearance.com, a public service site for Filipinos needing police clearance. Implementing lazy loading and image optimization significantly boosted our page speed, especially for mobile users. I love how you explained things. The "bundle diet" analogy is gold. Thanks for sharing!

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