What are the best practices for cache busting?

What are the best practices for cache busting?

Cache busting is a technique used to ensure that users receive the most up-to-date version of your web assets. Some best practices include using versioning in your file names, appending query strings, and leveraging cache control headers.

Can you explain how versioning works?

Sure! Versioning involves changing the file name of your assets whenever they are updated. For example, instead of 'style.css', you might use 'style.v1.css' or 'style.20231001.css'. This way, browsers will treat it as a new file and fetch the latest version.

What about using query strings?

Using query strings is another effective method. You can append a version number or timestamp to the URL, like 'style.css?v=1.0' or 'style.css?ts=20231001'. This forces the browser to load the new file instead of using the cached version.

Are there any tools that can help with cache busting?

Yes, there are several tools and build systems like Webpack, Gulp, or Grunt that can automate cache busting by appending hashes or version numbers to your asset filenames.