Caching is a process that temporarily stores copies of data in a cache, which is a high-speed data storage layer. This practice is crucial for improving the performance of websites and applications.
When a user requests a web page or a resource, the cache delivers the stored data instead of fetching it from the server each time. This reduces the time it takes to load the requested content.
It ultimately minimises the distance data needs to travel, leading to lower latency and faster response times for users.
Types of Caching
Browser Caching: Stores copies of web pages and resources locally on the user’s device. When a user revisits a site, the browser can load the cached resources, speeding up the experience.
Server-Side Caching: Includes various methods like page, object, and database caching. These techniques store data on the server to quickly serve it to users without generating it from scratch each time.
Content Delivery Network Caching: CDNs store copies of content on servers located closer to users geographically. This reduces the distance data must travel, further speeding up load times and improving reliability.
