Preload Hints vs Code Splitting

Developers should use preload hints when optimizing web performance, particularly for critical resources that block rendering or are discovered late in the page load meets developers should use code splitting when building large-scale single-page applications (spas) or complex web apps to minimize initial bundle size and accelerate time-to-interactive. Here's our take.

Preload Hints

Nice Pick

Developers should use preload hints when optimizing web performance, particularly for critical resources that block rendering or are discovered late in the page load

Pros

• For example, preloading a custom font file prevents layout shifts, while preconnecting to third-party domains reduces connection setup time for APIs or CDNs
• Related to: web-performance, critical-rendering-path

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Code Splitting

Developers should use code splitting when building large-scale single-page applications (SPAs) or complex web apps to minimize initial bundle size and accelerate time-to-interactive

Pros

• It's particularly valuable for improving performance on slow networks or mobile devices, and for applications with multiple routes or features that aren't needed immediately
• Related to: javascript, webpack

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Preload Hints if: You want for example, preloading a custom font file prevents layout shifts, while preconnecting to third-party domains reduces connection setup time for apis or cdns and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Code Splitting if: You prioritize it's particularly valuable for improving performance on slow networks or mobile devices, and for applications with multiple routes or features that aren't needed immediately over what Preload Hints offers.

The Bottom Line

Preload Hints wins

Developers should use preload hints when optimizing web performance, particularly for critical resources that block rendering or are discovered late in the page load