Version 7.8.0 of the Ajax Load More plugin introduces data prefetching, a new performance focused enhancement designed to make content loading faster and smoother, especially for infinite scroll and load more experiences.
Adding the new prefetching functionality is as easy as appending prefetch="true" to an existing Ajax Load More instance.
What Is Data Prefetching?
Data prefetching loads content before a user explicitly requests it. By anticipating user actions, the plugin can prepare the next set of results in advance. This reduces delays and creates a more responsive interface.
Prefetching data can effectively improve the perceived loading times of dynamic content by storing the prefetched data in memory before a user requests it.
Infinite Scroll Improvements
With infinite scroll, prefetching is triggered as users approach the end of the currently loaded content. The next batch of items is fetched in the background so new content appears seamlessly, without noticeable loading states or interruptions. This results in smoother scrolling and a more engaging browsing experience.
Faster “Load More” Interactions
For “Load More” pagination, the plugin can begin prefetching when the page is idle or when the button enters the viewport. When the user clicks, the data is already available and renders instantly. This makes the interaction feel immediate while still giving users clear control over loading additional content.
Key Benefits
- Significantly speeds up loading delays by masking memory access times, improves user experience, and can increase throughput.
- Reduced perceived load times with fewer spinners and delays.
- Smoother scrolling and faster interactions.
- Improved engagement through uninterrupted content flow.
Best Practices
- Prefetch conservatively to avoid unnecessary network usage.
- Pause or disable prefetching on slow connections.
- Pair prefetching with caching to prevent duplicate requests.
- Trigger prefetching based on user intent, such as scroll position or visibility.
By introducing data prefetching in version 7.8.0, the plugin delivers a noticeable performance upgrade that makes infinite scroll and “Load More” feel faster, smarter, and more seamless for users.