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Cameron Pittman and Ilya Grigorik

You will learn how to optimize any website for speed by diving into the details of how mobile and desktop browsers render pages.

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You will learn how to optimize any website for speed by diving into the details of how mobile and desktop browsers render pages.

In this short course, you’ll learn about the Critical Rendering Path, or the set of steps browsers must take to convert HTML, CSS and JavaScript into living, breathing websites. From there, you’ll start exploring and experimenting with tools to measure performance and simple strategies to deliver the first pixels to the screen as early as possible. You’ll learn how to dive into recommendations from PageSpeed Insights and the Timeline view of Google Chrome’s Developer Tools to find the data you need to achieve immediate performance boosts!

This course is also a part of our Front-End Web Developer Nanodegree.

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Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Clearly explains the critical rendering path and its significance in website optimization
Provides practical guidance on using PageSpeed Insights to identify performance bottlenecks
Introduces fundamental concepts and principles of web performance optimization
Focuses on deliverables and key performance indicators relevant to the industry, such as optimizing for first paint and other critical website metrics

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Reviews summary

Practical website performance fundamentals

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in website performance optimization. Students highlight the practical strategies and tools covered, particularly the effective use of PageSpeed Insights and Chrome Developer Tools. Many found the explanations of core concepts like the Critical Rendering Path to be clear and helpful. However, some reviewers note that the content may be somewhat outdated and might not cover the latest standards or advanced techniques needed for complex applications, making it potentially too basic for experienced developers. There are also mentions of some explanations being difficult to follow and occasional issues with project setup.
Useful practical exercises included.
"The hands-on labs using Chrome DevTools were the highlight for me."
"The demos helped illustrate complex concepts effectively."
"I found the practical exercises really cemented my understanding."
Explains core performance concepts well.
"The explanations of the critical rendering path were very clear."
"Great course for understanding the fundamentals of web performance."
"I found the concepts on browser rendering well explained with demos."
Focuses on real-world tools & strategies.
"This course gave me practical strategies I could use immediately to improve my site speed."
"Learned how to properly use PageSpeed Insights."
"The hands-on labs using Chrome DevTools were the highlight for me. Really helped reinforce the theory."
Better for beginners/intermediate.
"While the course covered the basics well, I was hoping for more advanced techniques and strategies for complex web applications. It felt a bit too introductory."
"It's definitely for developers with some prior HTML/CSS/JS experience."
"Could use more in-depth coverage on complex topics or optimization techniques."
Some parts difficult to follow.
"The instructor's explanations were sometimes difficult to follow, especially in the more technical sections."
"I struggled with getting the project setup right. The instructions weren't always clear, and the platform environment had issues."
"I had to rewatch lectures multiple times to grasp the concepts."
May not reflect latest standards.
"Useful overview, but some of the tools covered felt a bit outdated or were not the most current best practices. Needed to do additional research."
"Content is a good starting point but could benefit from an update to reflect newer standards and tools."
"Some information and tools seemed a little behind the curve."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Website Performance Optimization with these activities:
Review JavaScript Fundamentals
Reviewing the fundamentals of JavaScript will enhance your understanding of the concepts covered in this course and make the learning process smoother.
Browse courses on JavaScript Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Go through online tutorials or documentation on JavaScript fundamentals.
  • Revise your notes or textbooks from previous JavaScript courses.
  • Complete practice exercises or quizzes to test your understanding.
High Performance Browser Networking
Reading 'High Performance Browser Networking' will deepen your understanding of the technical concepts and best practices for optimizing website performance and provide valuable insights beyond the scope of this course.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read and study the relevant chapters.
CSS and HTML Optimization Best Practices
Following guided tutorials on CSS and HTML optimization techniques will provide you with practical knowledge and strategies to enhance website performance, complementing the course material.
Browse courses on CSS Optimization
Show steps
  • Find tutorials or articles on optimizing CSS and HTML.
  • Implement the techniques in your own projects.
Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Website Performance Optimization will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Front-End Developer
Front-End Developers are responsible for optimizing a website's interface to deliver content seamlessly. This course covers the Critical Rendering Path, a concept that Front-End Developers must understand to build websites. By learning how to measure performance and implement strategies to deliver pixels to the screen as early as possible, this course will help you succeed as a Front-End Developer.
Web Developer
Web Developers are responsible for building and maintaining websites. This course discusses the Critical Rendering Path and provides strategies for improving performance. As a career changer wanting to become a Web Developer, this course will help you build a foundation.
Back-End Developer
Back-End Developers are responsible for the behind the scenes function of websites. PageSpeed Insights is a tool that this course will teach you to use that will be helpful to you as a Back-End Developer as you work on projects.
Software Developer
Software Developers are responsible for building and maintaining web applications. This course will teach you how to modify JavaScript files that will be helpful to you in this role.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for defining the vision and scope of products. PageSpeed Insights is a tool that this course will teach you to use that will be helpful to you as a Product Manager.
SEO Specialist
SEO Specialists are responsible for improving the visibility of websites in search engines. This course will cover how to optimize for SEO through site performance, which will help you build a strong foundation as a SEO Specialist.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts are responsible for collecting and analyzing data. By learning to use PageSpeed Insights and the Timeline view of Google Chrome's Developer Tools in this course, you will build a foundation for your success as a Data Analyst.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for overseeing projects from start to finish. This course will teach you to build a foundation in optimizing sites for performance, which will help you succeed as a Project Manager.
UX Designer
UX Designers are responsible for creating user interfaces and experiences for apps and websites. In this course you will learn about the Critical Rendering Path, which will help you to contribute to the efficiency and performance of your designs.
UI Designer
UI Designers are responsible for designing the visual elements of websites. This includes the look and feel of the website, as well as the layout and organization of the content. While this course is centered around the performance of websites, it is not directly relevant to this role. However, it may be useful.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers are responsible for creating documentation and other materials that explain technical information. This course may be useful to Technical Writers as they work on projects such as user manuals and tutorials.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. While this course is centered around the performance of websites, it is not directly relevant to this role. However, it may be useful.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers are responsible for leading and managing sales teams. While this course is centered around the performance of websites, it is not directly relevant to this role. However, it may be useful.
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representatives are responsible for providing customer support. While this course is centered around the performance of websites, it is not directly relevant to this role. However, it may be useful.
Account Manager
Account Managers are responsible for managing client relationships and providing ongoing support. While this course is centered around the performance of websites, it is not directly relevant to this role. However, it may be useful.

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Website Performance Optimization.
Classic work on TCP/IP, the protocol that underlies the internet. It provides a deep understanding of how TCP/IP works.
Comprehensive guide to HTTP, the protocol that underlies the web. It covers everything from the basics of HTTP to advanced topics such as caching and security.
Comprehensive guide to JavaScript, the language that is used to make web pages interactive. It covers topics such as JavaScript variables, JavaScript functions, and JavaScript objects.
Comprehensive guide to CSS, the language that is used to style web pages. It covers topics such as CSS selectors, CSS properties, and CSS layout.
Comprehensive guide to building websites with HTML5 and CSS3. It covers topics such as responsive design, CSS preprocessors, and using modern JavaScript libraries.
Fast-paced introduction to JavaScript for experienced programmers. It covers the most important concepts of JavaScript, such as functions, objects, and arrays.
Comprehensive guide to scalability. It covers everything from the basics of scalability to advanced techniques like distributed systems. It is an essential resource for any web developer who wants to build scalable websites and applications.
Comprehensive guide to designing data-intensive applications. It covers everything from the basics of data modeling to advanced techniques like distributed systems. It is an essential resource for any web developer who wants to build data-intensive websites and applications.
Novel about a group of IT professionals who are trying to save their company from a disastrous software deployment. It great read for anyone who wants to learn more about the challenges of software development and deployment.
Comprehensive guide to DevOps. It covers everything from the basics of DevOps to advanced techniques like continuous deployment. It is an essential resource for any web developer who wants to learn more about DevOps.
Guide to building successful startups. It covers everything from the basics of lean startup methodology to advanced techniques like customer development. It great read for any web developer who wants to learn more about how to build successful products.
Guide to building successful technology companies. It covers everything from the basics of entrepreneurship to advanced techniques like market positioning. It great read for any web developer who wants to learn more about how to build successful technology companies.
Guide to marketing and selling technology products. It covers everything from the basics of marketing to advanced techniques like customer segmentation. It great read for any web developer who wants to learn more about how to market and sell their products.

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