The template is ready. Now you want to make sure that it is technically good and contains no errors. Then take a look at Lighthouse[^developers.google.com/web/tools/lighthouse]. This is a browser plug-in and an audit tool developed in Google Chrome with which the loading time of a website can be examined and optimised. In addition to the structure of HTML, CSS and JavaScript files, it also takes into account the integration of images and the cache settings of the website.

Google Lighthouse

The Lighthouse analyses includes

  • Performance - How fast does the website load?
  • Accessibility - Does the website include barriers for certain people or devices?
  • Best Practices - Does the website use modern standards?
  • Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) - How well is the website readable by search engines?
  • Progressive Web App (PWA) - Does the website offer features of a Web App[^en.wikipedia.org/wiki/mobile_app]?

Create Joomla Template - Page Speed Analysis with Lighthouse

For each area, the support is calculated as a percentage.

  • 0 - 49 (red) = poor
  • 50 to 89 (yellow) = medium
  • 90 to 100 (green) = good

With Joomla, 100% is achievable in all areas. You can find a concrete example at die-beste-website.de.

Google Chrome web browser

Lighthouse is included in the Google Chrome web browser by default. Open the website you want to test and activate Lighthouse:

  • Right-click anywhere on the website.
  • Select Inspect from the context menu that opens.
  • Open the Lighthouse tab.
  • Use the Generate Report button.

Create good conditions for the test

  • Start the analysis under a good internet connection.
  • Run the test in "incognito mode" (privacy mode). This way, any browser extensions do not influence the test.

You can use the results and tips from Lighthouse to improve your website. Some of the tips[^github.com/googlechrome/lighthouse-stack-packs/pull/44/files] come directly from the Joomla community.

Create Joomla Template - Page Speed Analysis with Lighthouse

Vary results

The results of the Lighthouse analysis vary at different times and under different conditions. Reasons for this are, for example

  • the internet connection
  • the device used
  • browser extensions
  • antivirus software

Lighthouse[^developers.google.com/web/tools/lighthouse]