How to Improve Loading Time with basket.js

This article explores the performance impact of scripts on modern web pages, using Facebook and Twitter as case studies, and introduces basket.js as a solution for optimizing script loading times.

Script Loading Performance: Facebook and Twitter

The article begins by analyzing the script loading performance of Facebook and Twitter using browser developer tools. The findings reveal that scripts constitute a significant portion of the page load time, even surpassing the size of images in some cases. For Facebook, scripts totaled 785KB across 49 requests, taking approximately 9 seconds to load. Twitter, while having fewer requests (4), still had a substantial script size (417KB) contributing to a noticeable load time. These observations highlight the need for efficient script loading strategies, especially for users with slower internet connections. The images/scripts ratio is also compared, demonstrating the growing significance of script size in overall page load.

The article emphasizes that while these load times might be negligible on high-speed connections, they significantly impact users with slower internet access, prevalent in many parts of the world.

Introducing basket.js

basket.js is presented as a solution to this problem. This lightweight JavaScript library leverages HTML5's localStorage to cache scripts, thereby reducing redundant downloads on subsequent page visits. The article details the library's key features:

• Asynchronous Loading and Caching: basket.js asynchronously loads and caches scripts in localStorage, providing faster loading times on return visits.
• Fine-Grained Control: The library offers methods for managing script caching, including setting expiry times and selectively removing cached scripts. Methods like basket.require(), basket.get(), basket.remove(), and basket.clear() are explained.
• Performance Improvement: A real-world example demonstrates a significant reduction in loading time from 6.06 seconds to 2.01 seconds after implementing basket.js.

LocalStorage vs. Browser Cache vs. IndexedDB

A comparison of localStorage, browser cache, and IndexedDB highlights the speed advantage of localStorage for script caching, particularly on mobile devices.

How to Use basket.js

The article provides a practical guide on using basket.js, including examples of:

• Requiring scripts using basket.require()
• Handling dependencies using promise chains
• Managing script expiry times
• Clearing the cache using basket.clear() and basket.remove()

A detailed example showcases refactoring script loading in a real-world application, replacing RequireJS with basket.js, resulting in substantial performance gains. The before-and-after performance comparisons with screenshots visually demonstrate the improvement.

Limitations and Future Improvements

The article acknowledges the limitations of basket.js, primarily its reliance on localStorage with its inherent storage capacity constraints and browser compatibility issues. The authors' plans to explore alternative persistence APIs like Service Workers and the Cache API are mentioned.

Conclusion

basket.js is presented as a promising solution for improving web performance by optimizing script loading, particularly beneficial for users with slower internet connections. While it currently has limitations, its potential for enhancing user experience is highlighted, making it a valuable tool for small-to-medium-sized projects. The article concludes by recommending keeping an eye on the project's development for future improvements and broader applicability. A FAQ section addresses common questions regarding implementation, dependencies, and troubleshooting.

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