What are HTTP headers and how do they relate to caching?

What are HTTP headers and how do they relate to caching?

HTTP headers are key-value pairs sent between the client and server that provide essential information about the request or response. Caching headers, like 'Cache-Control' and 'Expires', help manage how and when resources are cached.

Can you explain the 'Cache-Control' header?

Sure! 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.

What are some common directives used in 'Cache-Control'?

Common directives include 'no-cache', 'no-store', 'max-age', and 'public'. Each directive serves a specific purpose in controlling cache behavior.

How does the 'Expires' header differ from 'Cache-Control'?

The 'Expires' header provides a specific date and time after which the response is considered stale, while 'Cache-Control' offers more granular control over caching behavior and can be used to set relative expiration times.