Here are some of the most common speed optimization methods I follow when I’m developing a new project.
- Cache data and images whenever possible to avoid database querying and unnecessary requests.
- Load iframes dynamically trough JS as they affect the onload event of the web page.
- Resize images trough the back-end administration area, or use a handler to resize images on the fly.
- Minify / obfuscate all CSS and JS files.
- Bundle all CSS and JS files into a single file to avoid multiple file requests to the server.
- Remove unnecessary / unused fields from SELECT statements in database. Example: specify field names instead of using the * symbol.
- Avoid database round trips to load page content. If possible call one SP with multiple result sets.
- Load content dynamically with AJAX so page loads up faster. (Partial page loading) Note: Avoid using the standard ASP.Net AJAX update panels as they add a lot of overhead, instead use jQuery directly to call ASP.NET AJAX page methods)
- Create paging at server side in SQL and call pages trough ajax instead of loading all content at once from the database and paging trough it.
- Put all java script code at the bottom of the page. This will allow the page content to load first since browsers load the page sequentially.
- Index database tables where necessary.
- Remove the default ASP.Net viewstate if not being used as this adds a lot on the page size.
I will be updating this list as time goes by. If any one of you out there has other common useful methods please post them in the comments below.
Thanks for sharing this list. Very helpful!