Auto refresh page every 30 seconds

javascript

prompt-engineering

ajax

performance

byAlex Kataev·Sep 3, 2024

Create an auto-refreshing page by including this line in your HTML <head>:

<meta http-equiv="refresh" content="30">

Every 30 seconds, your page will automatically reload, ensuring your content stays fresh and up-to-date. However, there's more to auto-refreshing a page than just reloading it fully every few seconds.

Making a splash with JavaScript

JavaScript provides more control over page refresh, not to mention a better user experience. Let's dive in!

A tad delayed: Using `setTimeout`

setTimeout(() => {
  // Gotcha! This will refresh your page once after 30 seconds.
  location.reload();
}, 30000);

This line triggers a full page refresh 30 seconds after page load, just once! It's kinda like setting an alarm for just one day.

The repeater: Charm of `setInterval`

setInterval(() => {
  // Is your page afraid of commitment? This will change that!
  location.reload();
}, 30000);

This will make your page fully commit to you and refresh itself every 30 seconds. Remember: with great power comes great responsibility. Don't let it crash your user's workflow!

AJAX to the rescue: Incremental refresh game-changer

Refresh just a part of your page? Yes, the miracle is called AJAX.

Refresh without the splash using AJAX

setInterval(() => {
  // This code says: Why load the entire site, when you can load just what you need? Genius!
  $('#content').load('content-to-refresh.html');
}, 30000);

This targets id="content", spoon-feeding it with new content every 30 seconds. AJAX is like a waiter serving just the right amount of data when needed!

Tweaking the strategy - tailored to you

The All-Seeing Eye: When AJAX is needed

Dynamic infographics, like live dashboards, that don't need a full refresh
Forms: AJAX ensures users never lose data

Dare not stir the server: AJAX for efficient loading

Continuous page refresh increases server requests. AJAX saves the day by optimizing server resources
It helps the turtle win the race! AJAX lightens pages for slow internet connections or limited data packages

No User Left Behind: Catering to user experience

Don't let users lose their groove with full refreshes. Create stability and fluidity with partial updates
Honesty is the best policy! Include a refresh indicator to keep users informed