Fast, intuitive, and seamless experiences are what consumers expect from any application, especially CRM applications like Salesforce. Salesforce Lightning gives developers the ability to create user interfaces that are highly functional, load quickly, work smoothly, and grow as the business.
To achieve high-performance levels for Salesforce Lightning Applications is not just about writing the components but also requires strategic design, code optimization, and resource management.
This guide will provide insight into how to use Salesforce Lightning Web Components to achieve high-performance User Interface (UI) development in the fastest and most efficient way possible.
1. Leverage Lightning Web Components For Maximum Speed
Lightning Web Components offer a more contemporary development platform than older Aura components, and thus, LWCs are considered the fastest and most efficient way to develop Salesforce App User Interfaces.
LWCs Deliver Improved Performance
- LWCs are less complex than their Aura counterparts.
- LWCs are rendered on the client’s web browser using a lighter-weight rendering engine.
- LWCs have improved data binding capabilities.
- LWCs can be reused and tested more easily than Aura components.
LWCs also minimize the amount of JavaScript sent to the browser and reduce the amount of DOM updated, which contributes significantly to improved UI performance.
2. Use Efficient Data Fetching with Apex & LDS
Utilize the Most Efficient Method for Fetching Data Using Apex and Lightning Data Service (LDS). The most Important Aspect of a User Interface’s Performance in Salesforce is the Ability to Handle Data Efficiently.
(1) Use Lightning Data Service (LDS) Where possible. You will not need to write any Apex code; the Lightning Data Service has Built-in Caching, Automatically synchronizes records, Allows for Faster CRUD operations.
(2) Use Apex Services When Absolutely Necessary. Optimize your Apex service by writing Selective SOQL Queries, Avoiding Nested Loops, Returning Only the Fields that You Require, and Taking Advantage of the Platform’s Caching Mechanism.
3. Minimize Re-renders and DOM Updates
Minimize Unnecessary Overall Rendering (Re-renders) and Updates to the Document Object Model (DOM). The High Number of Re-renders needed for Updating The UI can Significantly slow down the Performance of the UI.
Best Practices.
- Break large components into smaller, reusable ones
- Use getters instead of recalculating values
- Avoid mutating reactive variables directly
- Use conditional rendering (if:true, if:false) wisely
To use the best approach, the goal is to limit both Updates to the User Interface and to Ensure that those Updates are Done Efficiently.
4. Optimize Static Resources & File Sizes
Optimize the Size of Static Resources and Files. The size of static resources, such as Images, Scripts, and Stylesheets, can affect the amount of Time it Takes to Load A Page.
Tips for Improving Your User Interfaces:
- Compress images (WebP recommended)
- Minify JavaScript & CSS files
- Use Content Delivery Network (CDN) caching
- Avoid loading large libraries unless necessary
The Smaller Your Assets Are, the Faster the UI Will Render, Providing the Best Experience for Your Users.
5. Cache Data for Faster Load Times
One of the easiest ways to greatly enhance UI Performance is through caching.
Many caching options exist in Salesforce.
- Platform Cache
- Lightning Data Service cache
- Browser cache
- Custom client-side caching (JavaScript-based)
By reducing calls from the server, it is possible to dramatically decrease the page load time.
6. Improve Performance through Asynchronous Processing
Long operations / processes should be executed outside the UI to avoid blocking the UI.
Utilizing the following methods allows for this:
- @wire – used for reactive data fetching
- Promises / Async/Await – to process multiple tasks concurrently
- Queueable or Batch Apex to run heavy logic
- Utilising Lightning message service for cross-component communication.
Users will experience a smoother user experience when long-running tasks run outside their view.
7. Use Lazy Loading to Speed Up Initial Render
Do not load everything at once. Load components when necessary.
Examples:
- Show table only after a button click
- Load chart only when Scroll
- Fetch data in smaller chunks
Lazy loading reduces the initial load or stress put on a page and improves the overall user experience.
8. Use Base Lightning Components in Place of Custom Components
Salesforce engineers have optimised the Base Lightning Components for maximum performance when compared to custom-built components.
Examples include:
<lightning-input><lightning-datatable><lightning-button><lightning-record-form>
By using prebuilt components – you are spending less time building and increasing the performance of your user interface.
9. Track and Improve with Salesforce
Salesforce has many tools that allow you to measure and improve your performance while also resolving any bottlenecks you may have.
Some Recommended Tools to Monitor and Improve Performance Through the Use of Salesforce include:
- Salesforce Lightning use app
- Chrome Lightning Web Components Developer Tools
- Salesforce Optimizer
- Debug Log and Performance Profiler
Auditing your UI on a regular basis is one of the best ways to enhance long-term UI performance.
In Conclusion
The most significant component for building high performance UIs using Salesforce Lightning is not the number of Lightning Web Components (LWCs) used but how LWCs are designed or utilized along with other factors such as data management, caching, and modern optimization methods.
If developers take the right path and combine these elements appropriately, they will be able to design and provide lightning fast responsive user interfaces that improve productivity, increase user satisfaction and allow for business expansion as a result of being highly efficient.
Salesforce Lightning gives organizations the ability to develop and deliver high quality, high performance applications for users and is an essential component in today’s UI development world.
