Lazy Loading

What Does Lazy Loading Mean?

Lazy loading is the ability to specify the default routines that are compiled and loaded into memory during program launch. Because many applications contain unused features, lazy loading is meant to speed up a program’s initial opening time.

Lazy loading is also known as dynamic function loading.

Techopedia Explains Lazy Loading

Programs contain features that are implemented by various program components. Lazy loading specifies system instructions to load essential components only. When used properly, lazy loading improves program performance.

Denoting program components that load into memory during program launch, like modules or DLLs, depends on the threading process of the software functions. During program launch, some threads are dispensable because a user may need to view an interface prior to running a particular function. Other threads may be delayed until after the initial interface is loaded into memory.

A typical program has more than one interface. When a computer realizes that a user is applying additional software functions, more components may be loaded into memory. If components are loaded when the computer hardware is busy, the loading process can diminish computer performance. Generally, if a program uses many of its components at startup, lazy loading is not likely to improve performance.