# Async JavaScript > [!NOTE] Overview > Async JavaScript is a performance optimization plugin that helps eliminate render-blocking JavaScript by adding async or defer attributes to script tags. ## Key Features 1. Script Management - Async loading - Defer loading - Script exclusions - jQuery optimization 2. Advanced Options - Selective async/defer - jQuery optimization - Plugin compatibility - Theme support 3. Additional Features - Quick setup - Performance monitoring - Debug mode - Compatibility checks ## Usage Status - **Recommendation Level**: Recommended - **Pricing**: Free - **Installation Type**: Performance Plugin ## Configuration Guide ### 1. Basic Setup 1. General Settings - Enable async - Enable defer - jQuery handling - Script exclusions 2. Optimization Options - Script detection - Loading method - Compatibility mode - Debug settings ### 2. Advanced Settings 1. Script Rules - Include/exclude - Method selection - Priority order - Dependencies 2. Performance Settings - Load timing - Error handling - Fallback options - Monitoring ## Best Practices 1. Initial Setup - Test compatibility - Check functionality - Monitor errors - Document changes 2. Maintenance - Regular checks - Update exclusions - Monitor performance - Test new scripts ## Integration Notes - Works with: - [[WP Rocket]] - [[Autoptimize]] - Most themes - Common plugins ## Common Issues & Solutions 1. Script Problems - jQuery conflicts - Loading errors - Plugin conflicts - Theme issues 2. Performance Issues - Script order - Dependencies - Timing problems - Browser support ## Personal Experience Effective tool for JavaScript optimization. Requires careful testing with each implementation. Best used alongside other performance plugins for comprehensive optimization. ## Alternatives 1. [[WP Rocket]] 2. [[Autoptimize]] 3. Perfmatters 4. Flying Scripts ## Best Use Cases 1. Basic Optimization - Simple sites - Blog sites - Portfolio sites - Static content 2. Advanced Needs - Custom scripts - Complex sites - Performance focus - Script control ## Performance Impact 1. Loading Benefits - Faster rendering - Better scores - Reduced blocking - Improved UX 2. Resource Usage - Script timing - Browser resources - Memory usage - Network impact ## Configuration Tips 1. Script Settings - Test each change - Monitor errors - Check compatibility - Document exclusions 2. Performance Strategy - Prioritize scripts - Handle dependencies - Test thoroughly - Monitor impact ## Limitations 1. Technical Constraints - Script dependencies - jQuery handling - Browser support - Plugin conflicts 2. Features - Basic controls - Limited options - Manual configuration - Debug limitations ## Resources - [WordPress Repository](https://wordpress.org/plugins/async-javascript/) - [Documentation](https://wordpress.org/plugins/async-javascript/#description) - [Support Forum](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/async-javascript/) - [GitHub Repository](https://github.com/futtta/async-javascript)