If you’re interested in web performance and optimization, you’ve likely heard of Phantomas. It’s a powerful tool based on Headless Chromium that collects web performance metrics. In this blog, we will guide you through how to get started, use Phantomas, and troubleshoot common issues.

What You Need to Get Started

• NodeJS: You will need to have NodeJS version 16 or higher installed on your machine.

Installation of Phantomas

You can install Phantomas using two methods: through npm or via Docker. Here’s how to do both:

1. Install via NPM

• Open your terminal and run the following command:

npm install phantomas

• This command will also install a recent version of Chromium supported by the Puppeteer module.

2. Install via Docker

• To use the Phantomas Docker image, run:

docker pull macbre/phantomas:latest

• You can also fetch it from GitHub’s container registry:

docker pull ghcr.io/macbre/phantomas:latest

How to Use Phantomas

Using Phantomas can feel like conducting an orchestra. Each section of the orchestra (or metrics) plays its part in achieving a harmonious performance (or insight into your website’s performance). Here’s how you can summon these insights:

const phantomas = require('phantomas');
const promise = phantomas('http://example.com');

promise
    .then(results => {
        console.log('Metrics:', results.getMetrics());
        console.log('Offenders:', results.getAllOffenders());
    })
    .catch(res => console.error(res));

In this analogy, the website is the orchestra, and Phantomas is the conductor. It gathers metrics (the music notes) and identifies offenders (out-of-tune musicians) that impact performance. Each metric is generated by separate modules, providing valuable insights.

Development Version

If you want to work with the latest development version of Phantomas and its dependencies, follow these commands:

git clone git@github.com:macbre/phantomas.git
npm install

Running Tests

To test your setup, start a local server to serve static assets and run:

testserver-start.sh
npm t

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the best of us encounter hiccups along the way. If you face any issues while using Phantomas, consider the following troubleshooting ideas:

• Ensure you’re using NodeJS version 16 or higher.
• Verify your internet connection if the metrics collection fails.
• Consult the Troubleshooting Guide for specific issues.
• For any unresolved problems, consider seeking help on the Phantomas GitHub repository.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Conclusion

Phantomas is a robust tool for collecting web performance metrics that can greatly enhance the optimization of your website. By following the installation and usage guidelines outlined above, you can ensure your web projects are performing at their best. At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.