Performance optimization is critical when developing SAP UI5 applications, especially for enterprise solutions that handle large datasets and complex UI interactions. Ensuring fast loading times, smooth UI responsiveness, and efficient resource usage greatly improves user experience and reduces operational costs.
This article outlines key techniques and best practices for optimizing the performance of SAP UI5 applications.
¶ 1. Optimize Data Handling
- Server-side Paging: Always implement server-side paging when dealing with large datasets. Avoid loading entire datasets on the client.
- Filtering and Sorting on Backend: Push filtering, sorting, and search queries to the backend OData service rather than handling them client-side.
- Batch Requests: Use batch requests to reduce the number of network calls.
- JSONModel is client-side; keep its data size small.
- For static or configuration data, load once and reuse.
- Avoid binding large datasets with JSONModel; prefer ODataModel for dynamic data.
¶ 2. Minimize UI Control Usage and Complexity
- Use lightweight controls (
sap.m library) instead of heavier desktop controls when possible.
- Avoid deeply nested controls and complex aggregations that can slow rendering.
- Use Fragments to reuse UI parts and avoid duplicate control creation.
- Destroy controls no longer in use to free memory.
¶ 3. Lazy Loading and Code Splitting
- Load views and components lazily only when required, especially for multi-view apps.
- Use UI5 Component-preload and bundle your app to reduce network requests.
- Defer loading of heavy resources like images or third-party libraries.
¶ 4. Optimize Binding and Rendering
- Use one-time binding (
{path: 'model>/property', mode: 'OneTime'}) for static data to avoid unnecessary updates.
- Avoid two-way binding when not needed.
- Use
updateModelProperties and refresh carefully to minimize re-rendering.
- Avoid binding on large aggregations directly; paginate or chunk data.
¶ 5. Efficient Event Handling
- Avoid heavy logic inside event handlers.
- Use event delegation when possible.
- Debounce or throttle frequent events like typing or scrolling.
- Use UI5 Diagnostics (
sap.ui.getCore().loadLibrary("sap.ui.core.support")) to analyze performance bottlenecks.
- Chrome DevTools and SAP UI5 Performance Analyzer can help monitor rendering, binding, and memory usage.
¶ 7. Cache and Resource Optimization
- Enable Component-preload.js to reduce HTTP requests.
- Use manifest.json to declare libraries and resources properly.
- Leverage browser caching with proper HTTP headers.
¶ 8. Optimize CSS and Styling
- Avoid excessive CSS selectors and overrides.
- Use SAP Fiori theming and minimal custom styles.
- Minimize inline styles and use classes.
- Detach event handlers properly to avoid memory leaks.
- Destroy controls when they are no longer needed.
- Monitor memory consumption during testing.
¶ 10. Use Responsive and Adaptive UI Controls
- Use controls from the
sap.m library that are designed for responsiveness.
- Avoid fixed sizes; use relative units and flexible layouts.
Performance optimization in SAP UI5 requires a combination of backend efficiency, smart UI design, and proper resource management. Following these techniques helps you deliver faster, more responsive applications that meet enterprise standards and provide excellent user experiences.
Implement these best practices early in the development cycle to avoid costly rework and ensure your SAP UI5 applications run smoothly across devices and networks.