WordPress Updates Page Speed
WordPress, the popular content management system, has recently released an update that promises faster page speeds and improved site performance. With version 6.4, WordPress introduces changes to how scripts are loaded on the front end, optimizing the loading process to enhance user experience. In this article, we will explore the details of this latest update, understand the benefits it brings to website owners and visitors, and delve into the technical aspects behind these improvements.
The Importance of Page Speed
Page speed plays a crucial role in website performance and user satisfaction. Slow-loading websites not only frustrate visitors but also impact search engine rankings. Therefore, it is essential for website owners to prioritize optimizing page speed. WordPress recognizes this need and continually works towards enhancing its platform to ensure a smooth and efficient user experience.
Introducing Deferred Script Loading
One of the significant changes in WordPress version 6.4 is the incorporation of deferred script loading strategies into the core and bundled themes. This intelligent script handling improves the performance of loading scripts by utilizing the “defer” and “async” attributes. These attributes instruct the browser to load scripts in the background or after the rest of the page has loaded, respectively. By doing so, the time it takes for a page to become interactive is significantly reduced.
Enhancing First Contentful Paint Metric
Previously, JavaScript files in WordPress themes and plugins were loaded without specifying asynchronous loading. As a result, these scripts would block other downloads and delay page rendering. With the update, WordPress addresses this issue, resulting in faster page loads for website visitors. Specifically, the update improves the Core Web Vitals’ first contentful paint (FCP) metric, which measures how quickly the page’s primary content appears.
Behind the Scenes: How WordPress Achieved This
To achieve these performance enhancements, WordPress made several technical changes. The JavaScript files for blocks, such as navigation menus and embedded media from WordPress.com, now include the “defer” attribute when enqueued. Additionally, the wp-embed script used for displaying embedded posts now utilizes the “defer” attribute as well.
Previously, adding these attributes was not standardized, leading to inconsistencies across themes and plugins. However, with the introduction of a dedicated API in WordPress 6.3 and its full implementation in 6.4, developers now have a standardized way to control when their scripts load. This ensures a more cohesive and efficient loading process.
Furthermore, the update moves the most deferred scripts back into the <head> section, as they no longer block rendering. This allows the browser to discover and cache them earlier, resulting in improved performance. However, a few lower-priority scripts, such as the comment reply script, remain in the footer but are loaded asynchronously with the “async” attribute to load in parallel with other resources.
Real-World Impact for Website Visitors
With the update, website visitors can expect faster page loads when accessing WordPress content. The optimized script loading process reduces delays, resulting in a smoother user experience. Visitors will notice an improvement in the first contentful paint metric, which means that the primary content of the page will appear faster, reducing any perceived “jank” or shifting of page elements after the initial load.
These enhancements lay the groundwork for future optimizations, ensuring that WordPress continues to improve page speed and overall site performance. By prioritizing user experience, WordPress aims to provide website owners with a platform that not only meets their needs but also delights their visitors.
See first source: Search Engine Journal
FAQ
What is the significance of the WordPress 6.4 update?
The WordPress 6.4 update focuses on improving page speed and overall site performance. It introduces changes to how scripts are loaded on the front end to enhance the user experience.
Why is page speed important for websites?
Page speed is crucial for website performance and user satisfaction. Slow-loading websites can frustrate visitors and negatively impact search engine rankings, making it essential for website owners to prioritize optimizing page speed.
What is deferred script loading, and how does it improve performance?
Deferred script loading is a key feature of the WordPress 6.4 update. It optimizes the loading of scripts by utilizing the “defer” and “async” attributes. These attributes instruct the browser to load scripts either in the background or after the rest of the page has loaded, significantly reducing the time it takes for a page to become interactive.
How does the update enhance the First Contentful Paint (FCP) metric?
The update improves the Core Web Vitals’ first contentful paint (FCP) metric, which measures how quickly the page’s primary content appears. By optimizing script loading, WordPress enhances FCP, ensuring that the primary content of the page loads faster.
What technical changes were made to achieve these improvements?
WordPress made several technical changes to achieve performance enhancements. JavaScript files for various elements, such as navigation menus and embedded media, now include the “defer” attribute when enqueued. The update introduced a dedicated API for developers to control when their scripts load, ensuring a standardized and efficient loading process.
How does the update impact real-world website visitors?
Website visitors can expect faster page loads when accessing WordPress content. The optimized script loading process reduces delays, resulting in a smoother user experience. Visitors will notice an improvement in the first contentful paint (FCP) metric, indicating that the primary content of the page appears faster, reducing any perceived “jank” or shifting of page elements after the initial load.
What does this update mean for the future of WordPress performance?
These enhancements lay the foundation for future optimizations, ensuring that WordPress continues to improve page speed and overall site performance. By prioritizing user experience, WordPress aims to provide website owners with a platform that not only meets their needs but also delights their visitors.
Featured Image Credit: Justin Morgan; Unsplash – Thank you!
