Cache is talked about everywhere, including computers, browsers, websites, web hosting, and even video games. But the real question is: WHY?
The simple answer would be to “save time and effort, instead of going to the original source.” imagine this, “The next time you need that same information, your device can grab it from the cache super fast, instead of having to go all the way back to the original source. It’s like reaching into your secret drawer instead of running to the store!”
This stored data usually contains the non-changing parts of a site, like pictures, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files.
By using caching, internet browsers can show websites without getting data straight from the web server each time. This makes the process faster and more efficient because it reduces the amount of data sent, resulting in quicker website loading.
This article will explain why caching is important and how it functions. You’ll also discover various types of website caching and how to delete it when needed.
What is Cache in Computing and Website Hosting?
A cache in computing refers to both a physical component (hardware) and a program (software) that temporarily stores data. It allows quick access to stored information without the need to process and search the database. Caches are commonly used in various electronic devices, including smartphones and personal computers.
In the context of website hosting, the cache acts as a middleman between the user and the hosting server. When a user visits a site, the system checks if it already has a copy of the requested page before reaching the hosting server. If a copy exists, it is delivered to the user much faster than accessing the server and processing the request.
On a server without caching, all requests are processed directly on the server, leading to longer processing times, as depicted in the figure below.
Example:
To explain the concept, we can compare the cache system to a service desk. Imagine a service counter with staff attending to customers. Behind the counter, there’s a manager who intervenes only when necessary. Most customer issues are resolved directly at the counter, similar to how caching quickly addresses most user requests. Occasionally, complex issues require the attention of the manager, representing the server in this analogy.
In this scenario, the cache functions like the service desk, handling the majority of requests and only occasionally involving the server for more complex issues.
Now that we grasp the concept and how it operates, let’s explore the advantages of using caching on a website.
What Makes Web Cache Important?
Web caching is crucial for several reasons, primarily centered around enhancing website performance:
- Speed Improvement: The primary advantage of caching is the noticeable improvement in website speed. Cached pages load faster since the browser retrieves stored data locally, reducing the need to fetch information from the server.
- Load Minimization: By displaying cached pages without relying on the website’s server, there are fewer server requests. This minimizes the server load, helping to maintain uptime and ensuring a smoother user experience.
- Bandwidth Consumption Reduction: Caching allows a web browser to present a website without downloading static content repeatedly. This reduction in data transfer translates to lower bandwidth consumption, enabling the website to load swiftly, even on slower internet connections.
- SEO Improvement: Google and other search engines consider loading speed as a ranking metric. Caching accelerates website performance, positively influencing its ranking in search engine results. This alignment with search engine optimization (SEO) practices can contribute to improved visibility.
- Enhanced User Experience (UX): Slow-loading websites often discourage visitors. With caching optimizing load times, users experience a more enjoyable and efficient interaction with the website. It’s recommended to conduct periodic website speed tests to ensure optimal performance.
- Increased Conversion Rates: Research indicates that even a slight improvement in load time can have a substantial impact on conversion rates. A fast-loading website keeps visitors engaged, reducing the likelihood of them leaving without taking any desired actions. This is particularly important for businesses seeking to convert website visitors into customers or leads.
Types of Cache
The two main types of caching are server caching and browser caching. These differ in where the caching occurs and the type of data they store.
Browser Caching:
When you visit a website, your browser not only retrieves the page content but also various resources like Javascript files, stylesheets, and fonts. Browser caching allows your browser to store these resources temporarily, reducing the need to download them every time you revisit the site. This initial download may take a few seconds, but subsequent visits result in significantly faster load times, often saving a second or more.
Server Caching:
Server caching involves storing the results of requests on the server instead of processing every request individually. The server saves these results and serves them when needed, making the overall process much faster. Two common types of server caching are ‘object cache‘ and ‘full page cache.‘
- Full Page Cache: This method stores entire web pages, ensuring rapid delivery without reprocessing every element. The server serves the pre-saved page instead of generating it from scratch, leading to faster load times.
- Object Cache: In contrast, object caches store smaller pieces of data rather than complete pages. This is beneficial for storing and quickly retrieving specific data within your code, especially useful for complex operations like generating navigation menus.
Browser caching optimizes the retrieval of resources on the client side, while server caching, including object and full-page caching, accelerates processes on the server side by storing and serving pre-computed results. Both types contribute to faster website loading times and improved overall performance.
How to Clear Cache in WordPress?
To clear the cache on your WordPress website using the LiteSpeed Cache plugin, follow these steps:
Using LiteSpeed Cache Plugin for WordPress:
Step 1: Download and Install the Plugin
- Go to the dashboard of WordPress.
- Go to “Plugins” and select “Add New.”
- Look for “LiteSpeed Cache,” then download and install the plugin.
Step 2: Access the LiteSpeed Cache Toolbox
- Once the plugin is installed, go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Find “LiteSpeed Cache” in the sidebar and click on “Toolbox.”
Step 3: Navigate to the Purge Tab
- Within the LiteSpeed Cache Toolbox, locate the “Purge” tab.
Step 4: Choose Your Purging Method
- In the Purge tab, you’ll find different options to clear specific caches.
- Select the appropriate purging method based on your needs. This could include purging the entire cache or specific elements like CSS or images.
Step 5: Purge All (Optional)
Alternatively, if you want to clear the entire cache for your WordPress site, you can click on “Purge All.”
Note: LiteSpeed Web Server Requirement – Ensure that your hosting service uses the LiteSpeed webserver to leverage the LiteSpeed Cache plugin’s features fully.
Conclusion
Website caching is a valuable feature that preserves a duplicate of your site’s data for future use, enhancing the efficiency of web browsers and reducing loading times.
Beyond the speed benefits, caching positively impacts site ranking, bandwidth usage, user experience, and conversion rates.
There are two main types of caching based on storage location: browser caching, which temporarily stores data on the user’s device, and server-side caching, which stores information remotely, often involving a Content Delivery Network (CDN). Server-side caching includes various systems like full-page caching, object caching, and fragment caching.
To prevent potential issues arising from outdated cache, it’s essential to clear it periodically. For WordPress websites, this can be done using a caching plugin, while other websites can use the cache manager tool in their hosting control panel. Regular cache clearing ensures optimal website performance and user experience.
FAQs on Cache
Why is caching important for website hosting?
Caching is crucial for website hosting because it enhances speed and performance. By storing frequently accessed data, caching reduces the need for repeated requests to the server, resulting in quicker page loads.
How does caching benefit website speed?
Caching improves website speed by allowing browsers to retrieve stored data locally, minimizing the time and resources required to fetch information from the web server. This leads to faster loading times for visitors.
What types of caching are there?
Browser caching, which keeps data on the user’s device, and server-side caching, which keeps data on the hosting server, are the two primary forms of caching. Server-side caching can further be categorized into full-page caching, object caching, and fragment caching.
How does caching contribute to a better user experience?
Caching enhances user experience by reducing page loading times. Faster-loading pages provide a smoother and more enjoyable browsing experience, decreasing the likelihood of visitors leaving due to slow performance.
