Latency
The time delay between a user action and the system response, measured in milliseconds.
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Definition
Latency is the time delay between when a request is made and when the response is received. In web applications, this includes network round-trip time, server processing, database queries, and response transmission.
Latency targets for web applications: under 100ms feels instant, 100-300ms is noticeable but acceptable, 300ms-1s feels slow, and above 1s risks user abandonment. The 100ms threshold is the gold standard for interactive applications.
Factors affecting latency include: geographic distance (CDNs help), server processing time, database query efficiency, network conditions, and client-side rendering. Optimizing latency requires addressing bottlenecks at each layer.
Why It Matters for Founders
Latency directly impacts user experience, conversion rates, and SEO rankings. Every 100ms of latency reduces conversion by 1% (Amazon research). Google uses page speed as a ranking factor. Fast applications feel premium; slow ones feel broken.
For startups, latency optimization should focus on the biggest bottlenecks first: slow database queries, missing caching, distant servers, and heavy client-side bundles. Tools like Lighthouse and Web Vitals provide actionable performance metrics.
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Formula
Total Latency = Network latency + Processing time + Database query timeReal-World Example
A user clicks "Add to Cart." Network request takes 50ms, server processes for 30ms, database writes in 20ms. Total latency: 100ms (perceived as instant). Above 300ms, users notice delay.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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