What are the benefits of output caching?

What are the benefits of output caching?

Output caching can significantly improve the performance of web applications by storing the generated output of a page or resource. This means that when a user requests the same resource again, the server can deliver it faster without reprocessing the request.

How does it affect server load?

By serving cached content, output caching reduces the number of requests that need to be processed by the server, which in turn lowers CPU and memory usage. This can lead to better scalability and responsiveness, especially during peak traffic.

Are there any downsides to using output caching?

Yes, one downside is that if the underlying data changes, the cached output may become stale. It's important to implement cache invalidation strategies to ensure users receive the most up-to-date content.

Can you give an example of when to use it?

Output caching is particularly useful for pages that don't change frequently, like product pages or blog posts. It allows users to access these pages quickly without putting a strain on the server.