What are ETag caching strategies and how do they work?

What are ETag caching strategies and how do they work?

ETag caching strategies help optimize web performance by allowing browsers to cache resources. An ETag is a unique identifier assigned to a specific version of a resource. When a resource changes, its ETag changes, allowing the browser to determine if it needs to fetch a new version.

How do I implement ETags in my web application?

To implement ETags, you need to set the ETag header in your server's response. For example, in an Express.js app, you can use res.set('ETag', 'your-etag-value'). Make sure to generate a unique ETag for each version of your resource.

What are the benefits of using ETags?

The benefits of using ETags include reduced bandwidth usage, faster load times, and improved user experience, as browsers can avoid downloading unchanged resources.

Are there any downsides to using ETags?

Yes, potential downsides include increased server load for generating ETags and complexity in cache management, especially if not implemented correctly.