Summary & Key Takeaways ​

• Introduces <click-to-play>, a Web Component for lazy-loading GIFs.
• It displays a still image with a play button, loading the GIF only on user interaction.
• This component improves page performance by preventing large GIFs from loading automatically.
• It's built with progressive enhancement in mind, ensuring accessibility.
• The component was developed for use within Datasette's new row editing tools.

Our Commentary ​

We've all been there, scrolling past a page that chugs because of a dozen auto-playing GIFs. This component is such a simple, elegant solution. I love how it leans into progressive enhancement. It's a small thing, but these small things add up to a much better web experience. It makes me wonder why this isn't a native browser feature already.