How do I use Cache-Control headers effectively?

What are Cache-Control headers and why are they important?

Cache-Control headers are HTTP headers used to specify caching policies for web resources. They help improve load times and reduce server load by controlling how and when resources are cached.

How can I set Cache-Control headers in my web application?

You can set Cache-Control headers in your web application by configuring your server settings or using middleware in your application code. For example, in an Express.js app, you can use res.set('Cache-Control', 'public, max-age=3600').

What are some common directives I should use?

Common directives include max-age, no-cache, no-store, and must-revalidate. Each directive serves a different purpose in controlling how resources are cached.

Can you give me an example of a good Cache-Control header setup?

Sure! A good setup might be: Cache-Control: public, max-age=86400, immutable for static assets, which allows them to be cached for a day and indicates they won't change.