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27 changes: 14 additions & 13 deletions README.md
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ _View an example:_ [the `navigation-drawer` guide](https://github.com/GoogleChro
#### The full list

<details>
<summary><strong>108 modern web features</strong></summary>
<summary><strong>104 modern web features</strong></summary>

### CSS & Layout (54 features)

Expand Down Expand Up @@ -128,22 +128,22 @@ _View an example:_ [the `navigation-drawer` guide](https://github.com/GoogleChro

| | | |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| [AbortController and AbortSignal](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/aborting/) | [Keyboard events](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/keyboard-events/) | [Resize observer](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/resize-observer/) |
| [document.modelContext](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/document-modelcontext/) | [Language detector](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/languagedetector/) | [Scheduler API](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/scheduler/) |
| [enterkeyhint](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/enterkeyhint/) | [LanguageModel](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/languagemodel/) | [Speculation rules](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/speculation-rules/) |
| [Event timing](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/event-timing/) | [Lazy-loading images and iframes](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/loading-lazy/) | [Summarizer](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/summarizer/) |
| [Federated credential management](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/fedcm/) | [Long animation frames](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/long-animation-frames/) | [SVG](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/svg/) |
| [Fetch](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/fetch/) | [Navigation API](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/navigation/) | [Temporal](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/temporal/) |
| [fetchLater](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/fetchlater/) | [Page visibility](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/page-visibility/) | [Top-level await](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/top-level-await/) |
| [Form-associated WebMCP attributes](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/declarative-webmcp/) | [Page visibility state](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/page-visibility-state/) | [Translator](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/translator/) |
| [inputmode](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/inputmode/) | [Partitioned cookies](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/partitioned-cookies/) | [User agent client hints](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/ua-client-hints/) |
| [Intersection observer](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/intersection-observer/) | [Permissions policy](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/permissions-policy/) | [Web authentication](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/webauthn/) |
| [Intl.DurationFormat](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/intl-duration-format/) | [Registered custom properties](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/registered-custom-properties/) | [Web authentication signal methods](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/webauthn-signals/) |
| [AbortController and AbortSignal](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/aborting/) | [Intl.DurationFormat](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/intl-duration-format/) | [Resize observer](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/resize-observer/) |
| [declarative-partial-updates](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/tmp-declarative-partial-updates/) | [Language detector](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/languagedetector/) | [Scheduler API](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/scheduler/) |
| [document.modelContext](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/document-modelcontext/) | [LanguageModel](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/languagemodel/) | [Speculation rules](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/speculation-rules/) |
| [enterkeyhint](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/enterkeyhint/) | [Lazy-loading images and iframes](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/loading-lazy/) | [Summarizer](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/summarizer/) |
| [Event timing](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/event-timing/) | [Long animation frames](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/long-animation-frames/) | [SVG](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/svg/) |
| [Federated credential management](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/fedcm/) | [Navigation API](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/navigation/) | [Temporal](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/temporal/) |
| [Fetch](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/fetch/) | [Page visibility](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/page-visibility/) | [Top-level await](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/top-level-await/) |
| [fetchLater](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/fetchlater/) | [Page visibility state](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/page-visibility-state/) | [Translator](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/translator/) |
| [Form-associated WebMCP attributes](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/declarative-webmcp/) | [Partitioned cookies](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/partitioned-cookies/) | [User agent client hints](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/ua-client-hints/) |
| [inputmode](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/inputmode/) | [Permissions policy](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/permissions-policy/) | [Web authentication](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/webauthn/) |
| [Intersection observer](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/intersection-observer/) | [Registered custom properties](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/registered-custom-properties/) | [Web authentication signal methods](https://web-platform-dx.github.io/web-features-explorer/features/webauthn-signals/) |

</details>

<details>
<summary><strong>135 real-world developer use cases</strong></summary>
<summary><strong>132 real-world developer use cases</strong></summary>

<h3>accessibility</h3>

Expand Down Expand Up @@ -223,6 +223,7 @@ _View an example:_ [the `navigation-drawer` guide](https://github.com/GoogleChro
- **[optimize-image-priority](https://github.com/GoogleChrome/modern-web-guidance/blob/main/skills/modern-web-guidance/guides/performance/optimize-image-priority.md)**: Optimize the loading priority of Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) candidate images and deprioritize non-critical images to reduce critical resource load delays.
- **[optimize-preload-priority](https://github.com/GoogleChrome/modern-web-guidance/blob/main/skills/modern-web-guidance/guides/performance/optimize-preload-priority.md)**: Optimize the relative priority of preloaded content to reduce critical resource load delays.
- **[optimize-script-priority](https://github.com/GoogleChrome/modern-web-guidance/blob/main/skills/modern-web-guidance/guides/performance/optimize-script-priority.md)**: Optimize the loading priority of scripts by boosting critical asynchronous scripts and deprioritizing non-essential or late-body scripts to improve sequencing and reduce delays.
- **[out-of-order-html-streaming](https://github.com/GoogleChrome/modern-web-guidance/blob/main/skills/modern-web-guidance/guides/performance/out-of-order-html-streaming.md)**: Declaratively update a page with content streamed later into the same HTML document or via imperative JavaScript APIs.
- **[resolution-optimized-pseudo-elements](https://github.com/GoogleChrome/modern-web-guidance/blob/main/skills/modern-web-guidance/guides/performance/resolution-optimized-pseudo-elements.md)**: Use resolution-optimized images in CSS pseudo-elements (such as `::before` and `::after`) to reduce the number of DOM nodes.
- **[schedule-tasks-by-priority](https://github.com/GoogleChrome/modern-web-guidance/blob/main/skills/modern-web-guidance/guides/performance/schedule-tasks-by-priority.md)**: Schedule tasks with different priorities to ensure critical work runs first while background work is deferred.
- **[sequence-distributed-events](https://github.com/GoogleChrome/modern-web-guidance/blob/main/skills/modern-web-guidance/guides/performance/sequence-distributed-events.md)**: Log and sequence operations in distributed microservices or high-throughput tracing environments by recording timestamps with nanosecond resolution.
Expand Down
119 changes: 119 additions & 0 deletions guides/performance/out-of-order-html-streaming/guide.md
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---
name: out-of-order-html-streaming
description: Declaratively update a page with content streamed later into the same HTML document or via imperative JavaScript APIs.
web-feature-ids:
- template-for
- html-setters
- html-streaming-setters

---

# Out-of-Order (OOO) HTML Streaming

Out-of-Order (OOO) HTML Streaming (also known as Declarative Partial Updates) is an alternative to the traditional "top-to-bottom" linear processing of HTML. It allows developers to define placeholders earlier in a document and "patch" them with content that arrives later in the same network stream, or via new imperative JavaScript streaming APIs.

## Quick Overview

The feature consists of two primary mechanisms:

1. **Declarative Patching (HTML-based)**: Uses new processing instructions (`<?marker>`, `<?start>`, `<?end>`) and `<template for>` to swap content in the DOM as it streams in from the server.
2. **Imperative setting and streaming (JS-based)**: A suite of new methods (e.g., `streamHTML()`, `setHTMLUnsafe()`) that allow setting of HTML or piping readable streams directly into DOM elements with native performance and optional script execution.

## Best Practices

* **Prioritize Above-the-Fold Content**: Stream critical UI (header, hero, primary navigation, primary content) first. Use placeholders for "expensive" or lower priority components like comments, ads, or related content.
* **Implement Native Loading States**: Use the `<?start>` and `<?end>` markers to wrap fallback content. The browser automatically replaces everything between these markers when the corresponding `<template for>` arrives.
* **Minimize Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)**: Always provide stable dimensions for placeholders. If the final content size is unknown, use skeleton screens or CSS `aspect-ratio` to reserve space and prevent jarring shifts.
* **Accessibility & Focus Management**: Be mindful that out-of-order updates can confuse screen reader users. Use `aria-live` regions for critical updates and ensure that focus isn't lost if a placeholder containing the active element is replaced.

## Implementation Details

### 1. Declarative HTML Markers
The browser looks for specific processing instructions to identify where content should be patched.

```html
<!-- A simple insertion point -->
<div id="sidebar">
<?marker name="dynamic-comments">
</div>

<!-- A replacement range with loading state -->
<main>
<?start name="main-content">
<div class="skeleton">Loading content...</div>
<?end>
</main>

... (other content) ...

<!-- Later in the same stream, provide the content -->
<template for="dynamic-comments">
<div class="comments">...</div>
</template>

<template for="main-content">
<article>
<h1>The Real Content</h1>
<p>This replaces the skeleton div automatically.</p>
</article>
</template>
```

Once a `<template>` replaces an insertion point, that insertion point no longer exists, and can not be reused. However, a `<template>` may contain insertion points that can be used later in the stream.

```html
<?start name="replaced-content">
<div class="skeleton">
<?end>
<!-- Later in the same stream, provide initial content -->
<template for="replaced-content">
<?start name="replaced-content">
<div>Quickly computed result</div>
<?end>
</template>
<!-- Later in the same stream, provide full content -->
<template for="replaced-content">
<?start name="replaced-content">
<div>Full result</div>
<?end>
</template>
```

### 2. Imperative JS Streaming
You can now pipe fetch responses directly into the DOM without manual chunk handling.

```javascript
const main = document.querySelector('main');
const response = await fetch('/api/partial-update');

// Pipe the stream directly into the element
await response.body
.pipeThrough(new TextDecoderStream())
.pipeTo(main.streamHTMLUnsafe({ runScripts: true }));

// Or use the `textStream()` convenience method which streams directly without needing the intermediate `TextDecoderStream()` step
await response
.textStream()
.pipeTo(main.streamHTMLUnsafe({ runScripts: true }))
```

## Use Case Reference Matrix

* **Island Architecture**: Hydrate independent interactive components on top of static HTML without a full framework runtime.
* **Deferred "Expensive" Blocks**: Deliver the shell of a page immediately and stream database-heavy components as they become available.
* **Single Page Application (SPA) Updates**: Stream large UI transitions in SPAs using `streamHTML()` instead of waiting for a full JSON payload and manual DOM construction.

## Anti-Patterns & Warnings (DO NOT DO THIS)

* **Do not use OOO streaming for everything.** Over-fragmenting a page can increase the complexity of the stream and potentially delay content if the browser spends too much time patching small nodes.
* **Do not ignore Trusted Types.** When using `*Unsafe` methods in environments with Trusted Types enforced, ensure you are passing a sanitized policy object if required.
* **Do not assume script execution order.** Scripts inside a `<template for>` will execute as soon as they are patched into the document. Do not rely on them executing in a specific sequence relative to other deferred templates.
* **Do not use without a polyfill strategy.** Ensure you have a fallback or use polyfills (`html-setters-polyfill` and `template-for-polyfill`) to support your required browsers until this feature becomes Baseline.

## Fallback strategies

{{ BASELINE_STATUS("template-for") }}
{{ BASELINE_STATUS("html-setters") }}
{{ BASELINE_STATUS("html-streaming-setters") }}
Comment on lines +116 to +117

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These are failing for now.

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You could prefix these with tmp- to silence the CI checks, if you did want to merge these changes now. We'll automatically catch when the next version of web-features includes the feature IDs and remove the prefix. But it's also fine to wait for the new IDs to propagate.

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That doesn't work in the {{ BASELINE_STATUS() }} macro- there's no check built in for the pending web features.

(It even fails if you comment out (<!-- {{ BASELINE_STATUS("tmp-html-setters") }} -->) the feature, although I guess that makes sense since macros can insert content into comments)

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Oh interesting, that sounds like a bug. Let me know if you want to merge this as-is and this is the only blocker, then I can look into a fix. Otherwise the easiest thing would be to wait until the feature ID is published.

Alternatively you could do something like this, and in the next web-features update PR, we'll get a CI check telling us to remove the tmp prefix and we can resolve this TODO while we're in there.

Suggested change
{{ BASELINE_STATUS("html-setters") }}
{{ BASELINE_STATUS("html-streaming-setters") }}
<!-- TODO: Use macros
BASELINE_STATUS("html-setters")
BASELINE_STATUS("html-streaming-setters")
-->

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No rush to merge this. Especially as half of it isn’t available until 154 anyway. Though the fact you have to use polyfills for other browsers anyway means you could use it now.

Anyway let’s five it a little longer.

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This is released, so I've removed the tmp features. We'll need to wait until web-features gets updated to 3.39.0 on this repo.

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Just merged #1468 bumping our version to 3.39.0


You can use polyfills like `template-for-polyfill` and `html-setters-polyfill` to emulate the API surface for non-supporting browsers.
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