A Guide to Lazy Loading in Angular 8

6 min read

Introduction : 

Angular 8 is a powerful framework for building web applications, and one of its key features is lazy loading. Lazy loading allows us to load modules, components, and assets only when they are needed, rather than loading everything upfront. This technique not only improves the performance of our applications but also enhances the user experience by reducing initial load times. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the concept of lazy loading in Angular 8, discuss its benefits, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to implement lazy loading in your Angular applications.

What is Lazy Loading? 

Before diving into the implementation details, let's understand what lazy loading means in the context of web development. Lazy loading is a technique that defers the loading of resources until they are actually needed. In Angular.js  this means that we can delay the loading of modules, components, and other assets that are not immediately required when the application starts.

By employing lazy loading, we can split our application into smaller chunks, each containing a specific feature or functionality. These chunks are loaded only when the user navigates to a route that requires them. This results in faster initial load times, as the browser doesn't have to download the entire application at once.

Benefits of Lazy Loading Lazy loading provides several benefits for Angular applications:

Improved Performance: By loading only the necessary modules and components, lazy loading reduces the initial load time of an application. Users can start interacting with the application faster, resulting in a better user experience.

Enhanced Scalability: Lazy loading allows for modular development, enabling teams to work on different parts of an application independently. This modular approach simplifies maintenance and makes it easier to add or remove features in the future.

Code Optimization:

Lazy loading ensures that only the required code is loaded, reducing the size of the initial bundle. Smaller bundle sizes lead to faster downloads, especially for users with limited internet bandwidth or accessing the application on mobile devices.

Improved User Experience:

With lazy loading, the user is not overwhelmed by a long loading time when they first access the application. Instead, the application progressively loads as they navigate through different routes, resulting in a smoother and more responsive experience.

Implementing Lazy Loading in Angular 8 Now that we understand the benefits of lazy loading, let's explore how to implement it in Angular 8. The following steps will guide you through the process:

Step 1: Set up your Angular project Begin by creating a new Angular project or using an existing one.   Make sure you have Angular CLI installed on your system.

Step 2: Create Feature Modules Identify the modules that can be lazily loaded and create separate feature modules for them. These modules should contain the components, services, and other resources related to a specific feature or functionality.

Step 3: Configure Routes In the main app-routing.module.ts file, define the routes for your application. Assign a loadChildren property to each route that should be lazily loaded. This property should specify the path to the corresponding feature module.

Step 4: Build and Test Build your Angular application using the Angular CLI command ng build. This will generate separate bundles for each lazily loaded module. Test the application locally to ensure that the lazy loading is working as expected.

Step 5: Deploy to a Server Once you are satisfied with the functionality, deploy your application to a server. The server should be configured to serve the appropriate bundles when requested by the client.

  1. Best Practices and Considerations  To ensure a smooth and efficient implementation of lazy loading in your Angular 8 application, consider the following best practices:

 

Carefully analyze your application and identify the modules that are suitable for lazy loading. Modules that are not frequently used or are independent of the main application flow are good candidates for lazy loading.

Keep Modules Isolated:

Each lazily loaded module should be self-contained and not rely on other parts of the application. This ensures that the module can be loaded independently, without affecting the overall functionality.

Use Preloading: 

Hiring Angular developers provides a preloading strategy that allows you to load certain modules in the background while the user is interacting with the application. This ensures a seamless transition when the user navigates to a route that requires a lazily loaded module.

Optimize Performance:

Lazy loading can significantly improve performance, but it's essential to monitor and optimize your application's performance regularly. Keep an eye on bundle sizes, network requests, and loading times to ensure a smooth user experience.

Conclusion :

Lazy loading is a powerful feature in Angular 8 that offers numerous benefits for web applications. By deferring the loading of modules, components, and assets until they are needed, we can improve performance, scalability, and the overall user experience. With the step-by-step implementation guide provided in this blog, you now have the knowledge and tools to start incorporating lazy loading in your Angular 8 projects. Remember to follow best practices, analyze your application's requirements, and optimize performance regularly to make the most of lazy loading. By embracing lazy loading, you can create faster, more efficient Angular applications that delight users and make a positive impact on their experience.

 

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