The Request Tax: Re-evaluating 20+ Years of Web Performance Dogma
For 20 years, we've been told to "Minimize HTTP Requests." But is that still true? I'm investigating how HTTP/3 and QUIC change the "Request Tax" and why I'm seeing patterns where granular fetches beat monolithic queries. Let's look at the data and re-evaluate the rules.
About Alex Moon
Location
Bellingham, WA USA
Company
WP Engine
Links
Our Sponsors
i always have a good time at @CascadiaJS. still one of my fave talks of all time there but more imptly the people and the vibe that @crtr0 and co create make you feel the JS community in a way that very very few are able to do.
— swyx (@swyx) August 14, 2025
join Sept 18-19 in Seattle! https://t.co/xoOT9pkMSl
I LOVE CascadiaJS. Incredible conference in a beautiful city with solid lineups, wonderful staff, and just the right amount of silly. Also @crtr0 at karaoke. 💙
— Josh Goldberg 🦋 (@JoshuaKGoldberg) June 22, 2024
Congrats & thanks again for such a wonderful time! https://t.co/3jhkI8O6Su
I 💚 CascadiaJS bc it feels like the cool, cult classic of JS events.
— Michelle Bakels (@MichelleBakels) March 28, 2025
It’s got everything — a dedicated fan base of 10+ years, close family vibes, long held traditions (the best karaoke!), sublime locale, and a flair for the atypical/creative conf sessions.
Def apply + attend! https://t.co/yqrEbh0icL
The reason why @CascadiaJS is one of my favorite conferences is because you can truly feel the passion and care that everyone puts into it. There's a real sense of community, it's amazing 🙌👏💜
— Charlie Gerard (@devdevcharlie) September 2, 2022
Once again, @CascadiaJS did not disappoint—I love that we have a community-focused conference right in the PNW. It's always inspiring to hear about what people are making, stretch my perspective, and meet new friends.
— Mark Palfreeman 🪐 (@markpalfreeman) September 3, 2022
Also Sunriver resort was awesome 🤘#CascadiaJS pic.twitter.com/SKlPeHibHE
On my way out of @CascadiaJS, feeling grateful for the work that @crtr0, his family, the staff and volunteers, sponsors, speakers, and all put into this family reunion.
— Tejas Kumar (@TejasKumar_) September 3, 2022
Some wonderful memories were made, and the combination of nature and lovely people made it so special. pic.twitter.com/F4JC0318pe
Wow, what a week at @CascadiaJS! Our team thoroughly enjoyed connecting with other engineers, learning from various talks, & experiencing beautiful Sunriver, OR. We wanted to thank everyone who helped organize this event; it was spectacular, and we cannot wait to be back in 2024. pic.twitter.com/vCO33rBTFa
— Formidable, Now Nearform (@FormidableLabs) September 6, 2022
I'm absolutely blown away by how much @cartwr and the entire team @CascadiaJS lifts up and highlights the people who contribute to and make this conference so special. This is what a conf that focuses on community looks like! 🌲 #cjs19 pic.twitter.com/Yh0CdOzVyx
— Divya (@shortdiv) November 9, 2019
I absolutely LOVED MCing @CascadiaJS! This was such a well organized conference, huge kudos to the speakers, the organizers, the sponsors, and of course the audience + community for making it great. It was a pleasure!! #cjs20 pic.twitter.com/EhqjhYJEVY
— Cassidy (@cassidoo) September 3, 2020
Attended #CascadiaJS last week! Awesome speakers/workshops and very well done virtual/hybrid experience! Can't recommend it enough for developers no matter where they are in their coding journey! 🖥️🌲#webdevelopment #javascript #CascadiaJS2021 #PNW pic.twitter.com/imknQzJmBZ
— Nathan Pickard (@NathanPickard) November 8, 2021
Had an amazing time at @CascadiaJS. See you next year! pic.twitter.com/eJYIkqHVMf
— Treasure Porth (@treasureporth) November 13, 2019
I was honored to participate in #CascadiaJS again this year. I've been so impressed again with all the creativity and effort the organizers, speakers, and community puts into making it a uniquely fun event. ✨ pic.twitter.com/x0byI4utED
— Nicole Oliver (@nixcodes) November 5, 2021
Yeah, tonight was great. #CascadiaJS pic.twitter.com/4hHgTP46fg
— Jessica West (@jessicaewest) November 5, 2021
Awesome @CascadiaJS afterparty at the @LivingComputers
— Welling Guzmán (@wellingguzman) November 17, 2018
I had so much fun. #CJS18 pic.twitter.com/xUiF2iupz6
I can't thank @crtr0, the @CascadiaJS team, and the conference sponsors enough for the opportunity to attend #cascadiajs! Everyone was so encouraging and welcoming, I'm thrilled to bring back what I learned to @MakeThinkCode & @pnca. pic.twitter.com/5hVyhcmyUL
— meganmckissack (@meganmckissack) November 19, 2018