What are HTTP cache headers and how do they work?

What are HTTP cache headers and how do they work?

HTTP cache headers are directives sent by the server to control how responses are cached by browsers and intermediate proxies. They help improve performance by reducing the need to fetch resources repeatedly.

Can you explain the different types of cache headers?

Sure! Some common cache headers include 'Cache-Control', 'Expires', 'ETag', and 'Last-Modified'. Each serves a specific purpose in managing how and when resources are cached.

What does the 'Cache-Control' header do?

The 'Cache-Control' header specifies directives for caching mechanisms in both requests and responses. It can control how long a resource is cached, whether it can be cached at all, and if it should be revalidated.

How can I set these headers in my web application?

You can set HTTP cache headers in your web application by configuring your server settings or using middleware in your application code, depending on the technology stack you're using.