What are the differences between Cache-Control directives?

What are the differences between Cache-Control directives?

Cache-Control directives are HTTP headers that control how, and for how long, responses are cached. They can be broadly categorized into two types: caching directives for responses and caching directives for requests.

Can you give me examples of some common Cache-Control directives?

Sure! Some common directives include 'no-cache', which forces revalidation with the server, 'no-store', which prevents caching altogether, and 'max-age', which specifies the maximum amount of time a resource is considered fresh.

How do these directives affect web performance?

These directives can significantly impact web performance. For instance, using 'max-age' can reduce load times by allowing browsers to cache resources, while 'no-store' can ensure sensitive data isn't cached, enhancing security.

Are there any best practices for using Cache-Control directives?

Yes, best practices include using 'max-age' for static resources to improve load times, and 'no-cache' for dynamic content to ensure users always see the latest version.