Wordpress · December 15, 2023

WordPress Tip: Postpone loading of JavaScript

WordPress Tip: Postpone Loading of JavaScript

Running a website can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to optimizing performance. One of the most effective ways to improve your site's speed and overall performance is by postponing the loading of JavaScript. This article will guide you on how to postpone the loading of JavaScript on your WordPress site hosted on Server.HK.

Why Postpone Loading of JavaScript?

Before we delve into the how, let's first understand the why. JavaScript is a powerful scripting language that adds interactivity to your website. However, it can also slow down your site's loading speed, especially if you have multiple scripts running. By postponing the loading of JavaScript, you allow the rest of your site to load first, thereby improving your site's speed and user experience.

How to Postpone Loading of JavaScript

There are several ways to postpone the loading of JavaScript on your WordPress site. Here are some of the most effective methods:

  • Use a Plugin: There are several WordPress plugins available that can help you postpone the loading of JavaScript. These plugins work by moving your JavaScript files to the footer of your website, allowing the rest of your site to load first.
  • Manually Move JavaScript to the Footer: If you're comfortable with coding, you can manually move your JavaScript files to the footer of your website. This can be done by adding the 'defer' attribute to your script tags.
  • Use Asynchronous Loading: Another method is to use asynchronous loading, which allows multiple scripts to load simultaneously without blocking the rest of your site.

Using a Plugin to Postpone Loading of JavaScript

One of the easiest ways to postpone the loading of JavaScript is by using a plugin. Plugins like 'Autoptimize' or 'Async JavaScript' can be easily installed and configured to postpone the loading of JavaScript. Here's a simple step-by-step guide on how to do this:

  1. Install and activate the plugin.
  2. Go to the plugin settings and enable the option to move JavaScript to the footer.
  3. Save your changes and clear your site's cache.

That's it! Your JavaScript files should now load after the rest of your site, improving your site's speed and performance.

If you're comfortable with coding, you can manually move your JavaScript files to the footer of your website. This can be done by adding the 'defer' attribute to your script tags. Here's an example of how to do this:

<script defer src="your-script.js"></script>

This tells the browser to continue loading the page and only execute the script once it's fully loaded.

Using Asynchronous Loading

Another method to postpone the loading of JavaScript is by using asynchronous loading. This can be done by adding the 'async' attribute to your script tags. Here's an example:

<script async src="your-script.js"></script>

This tells the browser to load the script in the background without blocking the rest of your site.

Conclusion

Postponing the loading of JavaScript is a powerful way to improve your site's speed and performance. Whether you choose to use a plugin, manually move your JavaScript to the footer, or use asynchronous loading, you're sure to see a noticeable improvement in your site's loading speed. Remember, a faster site not only provides a better user experience but also improves your site's SEO. So, if you're running a WordPress site on Server.HK, consider postponing the loading of JavaScript to optimize your site's performance.