Wordpress · December 16, 2023

WordPress Tip: Defer Parsing of Javascript

WordPress Tip: Defer Parsing of Javascript

Running a website can be a complex task, especially when it comes to optimizing your site for better performance. One of the most common issues that website owners face is the slow loading speed of their site. This can be due to a variety of reasons, but one of the most common culprits is the parsing of Javascript. In this article, we will discuss how to defer parsing of Javascript in WordPress to improve your website's loading speed, especially if you're using a Hong Kong VPS Hosting.

Understanding Javascript Parsing

Javascript is a programming language that is used to make websites interactive. However, when a browser loads a webpage, it has to parse all the Javascript files, which can slow down the loading speed of your site. By deferring the parsing of Javascript, you can make your website load faster, as the browser will only parse the Javascript files when it needs them.

Why Defer Parsing of Javascript?

When a visitor lands on your website, the browser starts downloading all the necessary files to display your site correctly. These files include HTML, CSS, and Javascript. However, Javascript files can be large and take a significant amount of time to download and parse. This can lead to a delay in the loading of your website, leading to a poor user experience. By deferring the parsing of Javascript, you can ensure that your website loads quickly, improving user experience and potentially boosting your SEO rankings.

How to Defer Parsing of Javascript in WordPress

There are several ways to defer parsing of Javascript in WordPress. Here are a few methods:

  • Using a Plugin: There are several WordPress plugins available that can help you defer parsing of Javascript. These plugins are easy to use and do not require any coding knowledge. Some popular plugins include 'Autoptimize', 'Async JavaScript', and 'Speed Booster Pack'.
  • Manually Editing Your Theme’s Functions.php File: If you are comfortable with coding, you can manually add a code snippet to your theme’s functions.php file to defer parsing of Javascript. However, this method should only be used if you are confident in your coding abilities, as a small mistake can break your site.

Here is a simple code snippet that you can add to your functions.php file:

function defer_parsing_of_js ( $url ) {
if ( FALSE === strpos( $url, '.js' ) ) return $url;
if ( strpos( $url, 'jquery.js' ) ) return $url;
return "$url' defer ";
}
add_filter( 'clean_url', 'defer_parsing_of_js', 11, 1 );

This code tells the browser to defer parsing of all Javascript files except for jQuery.js, as jQuery is often required for other scripts to work properly.

Conclusion

Deferring parsing of Javascript in WordPress is a powerful way to improve your website's loading speed and overall performance. Whether you choose to use a plugin or manually edit your theme’s functions.php file, deferring parsing of Javascript can significantly enhance the user experience on your site. Remember, a faster website not only improves user experience but can also boost your SEO rankings. So, if you're running your website on a Hong Kong VPS Hosting, deferring parsing of Javascript should be on your list of optimizations.

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