Pagination is a web design technique that divides a large amount of content—such as search results, blog posts, or product listings—into a series of separate, numbered pages. Instead of loading all items at once, users navigate through smaller, manageable sections. This approach improves website performance by reducing page load times and server strain, while also enhancing the user experience through organized content presentation.

Common pagination elements include:

• Previous/Next buttons for sequential navigation
• Numbered page links for direct access
• Ellipsis (…) indicating skipped pages in long sequences
• Current page indicators (often visually distinct)

From a technical perspective, pagination typically works by using query parameters in URLs (like ?page=2) or through AJAX requests that load new content without refreshing the entire page. Proper implementation requires balancing between usability (not too many clicks) and performance (not too much content per page).

For website owners, pagination helps with SEO optimization by creating multiple indexed pages and reducing bounce rates through faster loading. When implementing pagination, ensure it's mobile-friendly, provides clear navigation cues, and maintains consistency across your site's design. Remember that while pagination improves performance, infinite scroll might be preferable for certain content types like social media feeds.