The WordPress Performance Team consistently works on various initiatives to enhance the performance of the WordPress platform. While specific priorities and features may evolve over time,
here are some common areas they typically focus on:
Core Optimization
Continuously improving the performance of the WordPress core software through code optimizations, reducing unnecessary queries, improving caching mechanisms, and enhancing overall efficiency.
Database Optimization
Implementing strategies to optimize database queries, reduce query load, and improve database structure for better performance.
Caching Mechanisms
Developing and refining caching mechanisms within WordPress to reduce server load and speed up page loading times. This may involve improvements to object caching, page caching, and database query caching.
WebP Image Format
WebP is a newer image format that offers better compression than JPEGs, resulting in smaller file sizes and faster loading times. The Performance Team has been working on integrating WebP support into WordPress core.
Asset Loading Optimization
Improving the way assets such as CSS, JavaScript, and fonts are loaded to minimize HTTP requests, reduce file sizes, and enhance overall site performance.
REST API Performance
Enhancing the performance of the WordPress REST API to ensure fast and efficient data retrieval and manipulation, which is crucial for headless WordPress setups and external integrations.
Performance Lab Plugin
This plugin is a collection of experimental features that can eventually be integrated into the WordPress core. It allows users to test and enable features like lazy loading images and preloading URLs to see how they impact their site’s performance.
It’s important to note that these are just a few examples, and the Performance Team is always looking for new ways to improve WordPress performance. You can find more information about their current projects and roadmap on the WordPress Core Performance Team blog.
