Preload Hints
Preload hints are web performance optimization techniques that instruct browsers to fetch critical resources early in the page load process, before they are discovered through normal parsing. They are implemented using HTML link elements with rel attributes like 'preload', 'preconnect', 'prefetch', and 'prerender' to prioritize loading of fonts, scripts, stylesheets, or other assets. This reduces perceived latency and improves metrics like Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) by ensuring resources are available when needed.
Developers should use preload hints when optimizing web performance, particularly for critical resources that block rendering or are discovered late in the page load. For example, preloading a custom font file prevents layout shifts, while preconnecting to third-party domains reduces connection setup time for APIs or CDNs. It's essential for modern web development to meet Core Web Vitals standards and enhance user experience on both desktop and mobile.