# Performance Optimization Guide
## Overview
This guide provides strategies and best practices for optimizing the performance of the Compass application. It covers
frontend, backend, database, and infrastructure optimization techniques to ensure a fast, responsive user experience.
## Frontend Performance
### React Performance
#### Component Optimization
1. **Memoization**: Use `React.memo` for components that render frequently with the same props
```typescript
const ExpensiveComponent = React.memo(({data}: { data: UserProfile }) => {
// Expensive rendering logic
return
{/* ... */} < /div>
})
```
2. **useMemo and useCallback**: Memoize expensive computations and callback functions
```typescript
// Memoize expensive calculations
const processedData = useMemo(() => expensiveTransform(data), [data])
// Memoize callbacks to prevent unnecessary re-renders
const handleClick = useCallback(() => {
handleUserAction(userId)
}, [userId])
```
3. **Virtual Scrolling**: For large lists, implement virtual scrolling
```typescript
// Use react-window or similar libraries for large data sets
import {FixedSizeList as List} from 'react-window'
const VirtualizedList = ({items}: { items: Profile[] }) => (
{Row}
< /List>
)
```
#### Bundle Size Optimization
1. **Code Splitting**: Split code by routes and features
```typescript
// Dynamic imports for route-based code splitting
const ProfilePage = lazy(() => import('./ProfilePage'))
// Conditional loading based on feature flags
const AdvancedFeature = lazy(() =>
process.env.NODE_ENV === 'development'
? import('./AdvancedFeatureDev')
: import('./AdvancedFeatureProd'),
)
```
2. **Tree Shaking**: Import only what you need
```typescript
// ❌ Bad - imports entire library
import _ from 'lodash'
// ✅ Good - imports only needed functions
import {debounce, throttle} from 'lodash'
// or even better with specific packages
import debounce from 'lodash/debounce'
```
3. **Analyze Bundle Size**: Regularly check bundle size
```bash
# Use webpack-bundle-analyzer or similar tools
yarn build && npx webpack-bundle-analyzer .next/static/chunks
```
#### Image Optimization
1. **Next.js Image Component**: Always use the optimized Next.js Image component
```typescript
import Image from 'next/image'
```
2. **Responsive Images**: Serve appropriately sized images
```typescript
```
### Data Fetching Optimization
#### API Request Optimization
1. **Batch Requests**: Combine multiple API calls when possible
```typescript
// ❌ Multiple sequential requests
const user = await api('get-user', {id: userId})
const profile = await api('get-profile', {userId})
const preferences = await api('get-preferences', {userId})
// ✅ Batch requests where supported
const userData = await api('get-user-data', {userId, include: ['profile', 'preferences']})
```
2. **Caching Strategies**: Implement proper caching
```typescript
// Use React Query or similar for intelligent caching
const {data: userProfile, isLoading} = useQuery(['user', userId], () => fetchUser(userId), {
staleTime: 5 * 60 * 1000, // 5 minutes
cacheTime: 10 * 60 * 1000, // 10 minutes
})
```
3. **Pagination**: Implement pagination for large data sets
```typescript
const usePaginatedProfiles = (page: number, limit: number) => {
return useAPIGetter('get-profiles', {
page,
limit,
orderBy: 'lastActive',
})
}
```
## Backend Performance
### Database Optimization
#### Query Optimization
1. **Indexing**: Ensure proper database indexes
```sql
-- Composite indexes for common query patterns
CREATE INDEX idx_profiles_age_gender ON profiles (age, gender);
CREATE INDEX idx_profiles_location ON profiles (city_latitude, city_longitude);
CREATE INDEX idx_profiles_last_active ON profiles (last_modification_time DESC);
```
2. **Query Planning**: Analyze slow queries
```sql
-- Use EXPLAIN ANALYZE to identify bottlenecks
EXPLAIN ANALYZE
SELECT
*
FROM
profiles
WHERE
age BETWEEN 25 AND 35
AND gender = 'female';
```
3. **Connection Pooling**: Configure appropriate connection pools
```typescript
// In database configuration
const pgPromiseConfig = {
capSQL: true,
noWarnings: IS_PROD,
connect: {
poolSize: 20,
idleTimeoutMillis: 30000,
},
}
```
#### API Optimization
1. **Response Size**: Minimize payload size
```typescript
// Select only needed fields
const profileSummary = await pg.one(
`
SELECT id, name, age, city, photo_url
FROM profiles
WHERE user_id = $1
`,
[userId],
)
```
2. **Compression**: Enable gzip compression
```typescript
// In Express configuration
import compression from 'compression'
app.use(compression())
```
3. **Rate Limiting**: Implement rate limiting to prevent abuse
```typescript
// In API handlers
export const rateLimitedHandler: APIHandler<'expensive-endpoint'> = withRateLimit(
expensiveOperation,
{
name: 'expensive-operation',
limit: 10,
windowMs: 60000,
},
)
```
### Caching Strategies
#### Redis Caching
```typescript
import redis from 'redis'
const client = redis.createClient()
async function getCachedProfile(userId: string) {
const cacheKey = `profile:${userId}`
const cached = await client.get(cacheKey)
if (cached) {
return JSON.parse(cached)
}
const profile = await fetchProfileFromDB(userId)
await client.setex(cacheKey, 300, JSON.stringify(profile)) // 5 minute cache
return profile
}
```
#### CDN Optimization
1. **Static Asset Caching**: Set appropriate cache headers
```typescript
// In Express middleware
app.use(
'/static',
express.static('public', {
maxAge: '1y',
etag: true,
}),
)
```
2. **Image CDN**: Use image CDN services for dynamic optimization
```typescript
// Cloudinary or similar services
const optimizedImageUrl = cloudinary.url(photoId, {
width: 300,
height: 300,
crop: 'fill',
quality: 'auto',
format: 'auto',
})
```
## Database Performance
### Indexing Strategy
1. **Analyze Query Patterns**: Identify frequently used query filters
```sql
-- Monitor slow query logs
-- CREATE EXTENSION pg_stat_statements;
SELECT
query,
calls,
total_time,
mean_time
FROM
pg_stat_statements
ORDER BY
total_time DESC
LIMIT
10;
```
2. **Composite Indexes**: Create indexes for multi-column queries
```sql
-- For queries filtering by age and gender
CREATE INDEX idx_profiles_demographics ON profiles (age, gender, looking_for_matches)
WHERE
looking_for_matches = true
AND disabled = false;
```
3. **Partial Indexes**: Index subset of data for better performance
```sql
-- Only index active users
CREATE INDEX idx_profiles_active ON profiles (last_modification_time DESC)
WHERE
looking_for_matches = true
AND disabled = false;
-- Index by location for nearby searches
CREATE INDEX idx_profiles_location_active ON profiles (city_latitude, city_longitude)
WHERE
looking_for_matches = true
AND disabled = false;
```
### Connection Pooling Optimization
Proper database connection pooling is crucial for performance and stability under load:
1. **Configure Appropriate Pool Sizes**:
```typescript
// Backend connection pool configuration
const client = newClient({
query_timeout: 30000, // 30 seconds timeout
max: 30, // Pool size tuned for production load
})
// Pool timeout configuration
pool.idleTimeoutMillis = 30000 // Close idle connections after 30 seconds
pool.connectionTimeoutMillis = 10000 // Timeout for acquiring connection
```
2. **Handle Pool Exhaustion Gracefully**:
```typescript
// Proper error handling for connection pool issues
if (error.message && error.message.includes('MaxClientsInSessionMode')) {
throw APIErrors.serviceUnavailable('Service temporarily unavailable due to high demand')
}
```
3. **Monitor Pool Metrics**:
```typescript
// Track connection pool health
metrics.set('pg/pool_connections', pool.waitingCount, {state: 'waiting'})
metrics.set('pg/pool_connections', pool.idleCount, {state: 'idle'})
metrics.set('pg/pool_connections', pool.totalCount, {state: 'total'})
```
See [DATABASE_CONNECTION_POOLING.md](DATABASE_CONNECTION_POOLING.md) for detailed connection pooling best practices.
### Query Optimization
1. **Avoid N+1 Queries**: Batch related data fetches
```typescript
// ❌ N+1 query pattern
const profiles = await Promise.all(
userIds.map((id) => pg.one('SELECT * FROM profiles WHERE user_id = $1', [id])),
)
// ✅ Single batch query
const profiles = await pg.many(
`
SELECT * FROM profiles WHERE user_id = ANY($1)
`,
[userIds],
)
```
2. **Use Joins Appropriately**: Leverage database joins for related data
```sql
SELECT
p.*,
u.name as username,
COUNT(l.id) as like_count
FROM
profiles p
JOIN users u ON p.user_id = u.id
LEFT JOIN profile_likes l ON p.user_id = l.target_user_id
WHERE
p.looking_for_matches = true
GROUP BY
p.id,
u.name
```
2. **Composite Indexes**: Create indexes for multi-column queries
```sql
-- For queries filtering by age and gender
CREATE INDEX idx_profiles_demographics ON profiles (age, gender, looking_for_matches)
WHERE
looking_for_matches = true
AND disabled = false;
```
3. **Partial Indexes**: Index subset of data for better performance
```sql
-- Only index active users
CREATE INDEX idx_profiles_active ON profiles (last_modification_time DESC)
WHERE
looking_for_matches = true
AND disabled = false;
-- Index by location for nearby searches
CREATE INDEX idx_profiles_location_active ON profiles (city_latitude, city_longitude)
WHERE
looking_for_matches = true
AND disabled = false;
```
### Query Optimization
1. **Avoid N+1 Queries**: Batch related data fetches
```typescript
// ❌ N+1 query pattern
const profiles = await Promise.all(
userIds.map((id) => pg.one('SELECT * FROM profiles WHERE user_id = $1', [id])),
)
// ✅ Single batch query
const profiles = await pg.many(
`
SELECT * FROM profiles WHERE user_id = ANY($1)
`,
[userIds],
)
```
2. **Use Joins Appropriately**: Leverage database joins for related data
```sql
SELECT
p.*,
u.name as username,
COUNT(l.id) as like_count
FROM
profiles p
JOIN users u ON p.user_id = u.id
LEFT JOIN profile_likes l ON p.user_id = l.target_user_id
WHERE
p.looking_for_matches = true
GROUP BY
p.id,
u.name
```
## Infrastructure Optimization
### Deployment Optimization
#### Vercel Optimization
1. **Incremental Static Regeneration**: Use ISR for dynamic content
```typescript
export const getStaticProps: GetStaticProps = async () => {
const profiles = await fetchFeaturedProfiles()
return {
props: {profiles},
revalidate: 300, // Revalidate every 5 minutes
}
}
```
2. **Edge Functions**: Move computation closer to users
```typescript
// Use Edge Runtime for global API endpoints
export const config = {
runtime: 'edge',
}
export default async function handler(req: Request) {
// Light-weight processing
return new Response(JSON.stringify({status: 'ok'}))
}
```
#### Google Cloud Optimization
1. **Load Balancing**: Distribute traffic efficiently
```yaml
# terraform configuration for load balancer
resource "google_compute_backend_service" "api_backend" {
name = "api-backend"
protocol = "HTTP"
timeout_sec = 30
# Health checks
health_checks = [google_compute_health_check.api.self_link]
# Load balancing algorithm
balancing_mode = "UTILIZATION"
}
```
2. **Auto-scaling**: Scale resources based on demand
```yaml
# Container scaling configuration
resources:
limits:
cpu: '1'
memory: '512Mi'
requests:
cpu: '250m'
memory: '128Mi'
autoscaling:
minReplicas: 2
maxReplicas: 10
targetCPUUtilizationPercentage: 70
```
## Monitoring Performance
### Key Performance Indicators
1. **Core Web Vitals**: Track Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)
2. **API Response Times**: Monitor endpoint latencies
3. **Database Query Times**: Track slow queries
4. **Error Rates**: Monitor 5xx error rates
5. **Resource Usage**: CPU, memory, and network utilization
### Performance Monitoring Tools
1. **Browser Performance APIs**: Use Performance API for client-side metrics
```typescript
// Measure page load performance
if ('performance' in window) {
const perfData = performance.timing
const pageLoadTime = perfData.loadEventEnd - perfData.navigationStart
logMetric('page_load_time', pageLoadTime)
}
```
2. **Custom Metrics Collection**: Implement application-specific performance tracking
```typescript
// Track specific user interactions
const start = performance.now()
await submitForm(data)
const duration = performance.now() - start
metrics.record('form_submission_time', duration)
```
## Performance Testing
### Load Testing
Use tools like Artillery or k6 for load testing:
```yaml
# artillery configuration
config:
target: 'https://api.compassmeet.com'
phases:
- duration: 60
arrivalRate: 20
defaults:
headers:
Authorization: 'Bearer {{ $processEnvironment.JWT_TOKEN }}'
scenarios:
- name: 'Browse Profiles'
flow:
- get:
url: '/get-profiles'
qs:
limit: 20
```
### Benchmarking
Create benchmark tests for critical operations:
```typescript
// Jest benchmark test
describe('Profile Search Performance', () => {
it('should return results within 500ms', async () => {
const start = Date.now()
const results = await searchProfiles(searchParams)
const duration = Date.now() - start
expect(duration).toBeLessThan(500)
expect(results).toHaveLength(20)
})
})
```
## Best Practices Summary
### Frontend
- Minimize bundle size through code splitting and tree shaking
- Use React.memo and useMemo for expensive components
- Implement proper image optimization
- Cache API responses intelligently
- Lazy load non-critical features
### Backend
- Optimize database queries with proper indexing
- Implement connection pooling
- Use caching strategically
- Compress responses
- Implement rate limiting
### Database
- Analyze query performance regularly
- Create appropriate indexes
- Avoid N+1 query patterns
- Use partial indexes for filtered data
- Monitor slow query logs
### Infrastructure
- Use CDN for static assets
- Implement proper caching headers
- Configure auto-scaling
- Monitor key performance metrics
- Run regular load testing
## Common Pitfalls to Avoid
1. **Premature Optimization**: Focus on actual bottlenecks, not perceived ones
2. **Over-fetching Data**: Only request data you actually need
3. **Blocking Operations**: Avoid synchronous operations that block the event loop
4. **Memory Leaks**: Clean up event listeners and subscriptions
5. **Inefficient Re-renders**: Use profiling tools to identify unnecessary re-renders
---
_Last Updated: March 2026_