Knowledge for your website

Cache: combine fast pages with up-to-date content

A cache keeps previously generated content ready for later requests. Used correctly, it shortens repeated loading processes. After a change, however, visitors must also receive the current version.

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What types of cache are there?

A browser can reuse files such as images or stylesheets. A page cache on the server can deliver previously generated HTML. An upstream network may hold further copies. These layers have different roles and can operate simultaneously.

The benefit is less repeated work: files do not always need to be transferred in full, and pages do not need to be assembled again for every request. A reliable assessment nevertheless requires real measurements on important page types.

Why do I still see the old page after an update?

An earlier copy may be delivered. An incorrect homepage assignment, unpublished edit or unchanged template is also possible. Clearing a cache does not fix these content and assignment errors.

Establish the URL actually published and its content.
Compare a deliberate reload with an anonymous visit.
Consider browser, website and, where applicable, network caches separately.
After clearing, check again without an administrator login.

What must not be cached identically for everyone?

Personal account content or individual messages must not appear as a shared public page copy. Contact forms and dynamic functions therefore need appropriate configuration and functional testing. Disabling every cache indiscriminately can slow the site unnecessarily.

A useful test combines freshness, speed and functionality: is the new text visible, does mobile navigation remain usable and can an enquiry be submitted correctly? These requirements form part of technical website design.