PageSpeed Insights (PSI) is a free online tool provided by Google that aims to help developers and website operators analyze the performance of web pages on mobile and desktop devices and provide targeted optimization suggestions.
Functions and Uses
Performance Scoring and Optimization Suggestions
PSI will score web pages based on key indicators such as web page loading speed and interactivity (0-100 points), with higher scores indicating better performance. It will also provide specific optimization suggestions, such as code compression, image optimization, resource loading optimization, etc.
Core Indicator Analysis
PSI uses Google's Core Web Vitals to evaluate web page performance, including:
Maximum Content Paint Time (LCP): The time it takes for the main content of the page to load.
Interactive Delay (FID): The delay from the first user interaction to the page response.
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): The visual stability of page elements during loading.
Lab Data and Real User Data
Lab Data: Based on Lighthouse's simulated test results, it provides diagnostics in performance, accessibility, best practices, and SEO.
Real user data: Collect performance of actual users through Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX).
SEO optimization assistance
Optimizing web page performance can help improve search engine rankings, especially pages that perform well in Google's core network indicators are more likely to get higher rankings.
How to use PageSpeed Insights
Visit the official website of PageSpeed Insights.
Enter the website URL to be evaluated and select the device type (mobile or desktop).
Click the "Analyze" button and the tool will generate a detailed performance report and optimization suggestions.
Comparison with other tools
Lighthouse: PSI is based on the detection logic of Lighthouse, but integrates real user data (CrUX), which is suitable for quickly checking web page performance, while Lighthouse is more suitable for in-depth analysis.
GTmetrix and WebPageTest: PSI has advantages in integrating Google core indicators and user experience analysis, but does not provide in-depth visual waterfall charts.
Version update
PSI's API and UI are constantly updated, such as the addition of new indicators such as interactive to next paint time (INP) and first byte time (TTFB), and supports the generation of shareable analysis report links.
Summary
PageSpeed Insights is a powerful web performance optimization tool that can help developers quickly evaluate web performance, provide targeted optimization suggestions, and monitor and optimize around Google's core network indicators. By using PSI, you can effectively improve web page loading speed and user experience, thereby improving the ranking and competitiveness of the website in search engines.
