HTTP/2 Server Push

HTTP/2 Server Push is a performance optimization feature of the HTTP/2 protocol that allows a server to proactively send resources to a client before the client explicitly requests them. It works by the server anticipating which resources (like CSS, JavaScript, or images) a client will need for a webpage and pushing them alongside the initial HTML response. This reduces latency by eliminating round-trip requests, potentially speeding up page load times.

Also known as: HTTP2 Push, HTTP/2 Push, Server Push, H2 Push, HTTP2 Server Push

Why learn HTTP/2 Server Push?

Developers should use HTTP/2 Server Push when building high-performance web applications where fast initial page loads are critical, such as e-commerce sites, media-rich pages, or single-page applications. It is particularly effective for resources that are essential for rendering but would otherwise require additional requests, as it can reduce the number of round trips and improve perceived performance. However, it should be implemented carefully to avoid pushing unnecessary resources, which can waste bandwidth and degrade performance.

Learning Resources

• docs: HTTP/2 Server Push - MDN Web Docs
• tutorial: Introduction to HTTP/2 - Google Developers
• tutorial: HTTP/2 Server Push: The Details - Smashing Magazine
• book: HTTP/2 Explained - Daniel Stenberg