How can you manage web application caching during hosting?

1 Choose the right caching strategy

Depending on your web application's architecture, functionality, and requirements, you may need to use different types of caching strategies, such as client-side caching, server-side caching, or distributed caching. Client-side caching involves storing data or content in the browser's cache, local storage, or cookies, which can reduce network traffic and latency. Server-side caching involves storing data or content in the web server's memory or disk, which can reduce database load and improve response time. Distributed caching involves storing data or content in a separate cache server or cluster, which can enable horizontal scaling and high availability. You should choose the right caching strategy based on your web application's needs and trade-offs.

2 Configure cache headers and policies

One of the key aspects of managing web application caching during hosting is to configure the cache headers and policies that control how the browser and the server handle cached data or content. Cache headers are HTTP headers that specify the cacheability, freshness, and validity of the data or content. Some of the common cache headers are Cache-Control, Expires, ETag, and Last-Modified. Cache policies are rules that determine when and how to cache, update, or invalidate the data or content. Some of the common cache policies are no-cache, no-store, public, private, and max-age. You should configure the cache headers and policies according to your web application's requirements and scenarios.

3 Use cache busting techniques

Another important aspect of managing web application caching during hosting is to use cache busting techniques that prevent the browser from serving stale or outdated data or content from the cache. Cache busting techniques are methods that force the browser to request a new version of the data or content from the server, bypassing the cache. Some of the common cache busting techniques are adding a query string, changing the file name, or using a content delivery network (CDN). You should use cache busting techniques when you deploy or update your web application's code or assets.

4 Monitor and optimize cache performance

The final aspect of managing web application caching during hosting is to monitor and optimize the cache performance and efficiency. Cache performance refers to the metrics that measure the impact of caching on your web application's speed, reliability, and resource utilization. Some of the common cache performance metrics are cache hit ratio, cache miss ratio, cache size, and cache latency. Cache efficiency refers to the ratio of the benefit of caching to the cost of caching. You should monitor and optimize the cache performance and efficiency using tools such as browser dev tools, web server logs, cache server dashboards, or third-party services.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?