What are cache control headers and how do they work?

What are cache control headers and how do they work?

Cache control headers are HTTP headers used to specify caching policies for web resources. They help control how, when, and for how long a resource can be cached by browsers and intermediate caches.

Can you give me some examples of cache control directives?

Sure! Some common cache control directives include 'no-cache', 'no-store', 'max-age', and 'public'. For example, 'max-age=3600' means the resource can be cached for one hour.

What happens if I set 'no-store' in the cache control header?

Setting 'no-store' instructs browsers and caches not to store any part of the response. This is useful for sensitive information.

How do cache control headers affect website performance?

Properly configured cache control headers can significantly improve website performance by reducing load times and server requests, as cached resources can be served quickly from the user's browser.