Chapter 2. Using assessment tools

 

This chapter covers

  • Using Google PageSpeed Insights
  • Using network request inspectors to view timing information for assets
  • Using rendering profilers to diagnose poor performance
  • Benchmarking JavaScript code
  • Emulating devices and internet connections

Now that you have a handle on the idea of web performance and have had a chance to optimize a client’s site, it’s time to go deeper. That starts with learning about tools that identify performance issues. These exist both online and in the browser, starting with Google’s PageSpeed Insights, and ending with the tools available in Chrome and other desktop browsers.

2.1. Evaluating with Google PageSpeed Insights

It won’t surprise you to know that Google cares about web performance. As early as 2010, Google indicated in a blog post that performance is a factor in a site’s ranking in organic search results. If you’re running a content-driven site that gets most of its traffic from search engines, this should give you pause. Fortunately, Google has an assessment tool: PageSpeed Insights.

2.1.1. Appraising website performance

2.2. Using browser-based assessment tools

2.3. Inspecting network requests

2.4. Rendering performance-auditing tools

2.5. Benchmarking JavaScript in Chrome

2.6. Simulating and monitoring devices

2.7. Creating custom network throttling profiles

2.8. Summary