Synonyms: Server response time Initial server delay
TTFB stands for Time to First Byte. It refers to the amount of time it takes for a web server to send the first byte of data to a user’s browser after they request a web page. Essentially, TTFB measures the initial responsiveness of a server during the process of loading a website. It’s an important metric for website performance and user experience, as slow TTFB can lead to longer page load times.
TTFB is made up of three main components:
- DNS Lookup and Server Connection: This is the time it takes to establish a connection between the user’s browser and the server after the URL is requested.
- Server Processing Time: This is the time the server takes to process the request and prepare the data.
- First Byte Delivery: This is when the server sends the first byte of information back to the browser.
Improving TTFB can help speed up a website’s performance, which is critical for both user satisfaction and search engine rankings. Factors like server location, server load, and the efficiency of code on the server can all impact TTFB.