Cache: what it is, what it is used for, types and tips

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A temporary repository of frequently used data or files that are quickly downloaded and retrieved with each request. We can define caching and caching activity in this way, that is, the process of storing certain resources locally so that they can be reused without the need for a full round-trip request pass to the server. Caching speeds up the flow of information between the user’s device and the servers hosting the site by storing copies of resources locally, making loading much faster. But it’s not just about speed: proper management of this tool also has significant implications for SEO, user experience, and, ultimately, the bottom line of an online business. In this in-depth guide, we will therefore explore the concept of caching, its purpose, how to manage it, and the common problems associated with it, so that we understand why and how caching can prove to be a crucial element in the optimal functioning of a website and its performance.

What is caching

In computing, caching is a form of high-speed memory that temporarily stores copies of frequently requested data or files.

Caching is a process of temporarily storing copies of files, images, Web pages, and other elements in an easily accessible location to reduce the loading time when a user visits a Web site. Resources such as HTML, CSS, images, and JavaScript can all be cached.

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This mechanism reduces the time required to access such data in the future, making read operations much faster than direct access to the original databases or servers.

Meaning of caching

The term “cache” comes from French and means “to hide” or “to store.” In the context of websites, caching refers more precisely to different types of temporary storage, and a cache is a kind of “temporary warehouse” where copies of data or files that we access frequently are stored.

Let’s imagine that we visit a website for the first time: our browser has to download a number of elements such as images, scripts and style sheets. This process takes time and bandwidth. Caching comes into play by storing these elements locally on our device: on the next visit, instead of downloading everything again, the browser can retrieve the elements from the local cache, greatly speeding up page loading.

But caching is not limited only to our browser: web servers also use caching systems to temporarily store data and web pages, reducing workload and improving response speed, as well as there are also Content Delivery Network (CDN) and app caches. Regardless of the type, each type of cache has a specific role in speeding up page loading and improving the user experience.

One particularity of cache is precisely its different implementations: browser cache, server cache, and system cache are just a few of the most common forms. Each has specific features and differences that we will explore later. Important to understand is that cache management is not only about speed, but also about privacy and security. The cache can store sensitive data and personal information; therefore, it is essential to take appropriate measures to protect this information.

In fact, in general, caching remains a temporary storage mechanism useful for storing data that is frequently used, with the aim of reducing the time it takes to access it. Cached pages are provided as static HTML versions to avoid potentially time-consuming queries to the database: publishing the most recent version of a page might, for example, require accessing database information, which takes longer than publishing an already archived (cached) version of the page.

And so, specifically, a website’s cache is used to store a copy of web pages and their content in order to decrease loading time and, as mentioned, improve user experience. This is especially important for high-traffic websites, where speed of access to data is critical.

Understanding caching, a simple explanation

Let’s go even deeper with explanations of what caching is, bringing in some additional examples that can clarify this concept.

We are about to access a complex website for the first time, such as a generalist online store selling millions of products: without the use of caching, every single element of the page must be requested and loaded from the server, including images, scripts, and CSS files. This process can take several seconds, especially with a suboptimal connection. However, with caching many of these elements are saved locally on the user’s device. At the next access, the cache allows for quick retrieval of already downloaded elements, drastically reducing the loading time.

Another concrete example can be observed in everyday video enjoyment. Streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube use caching to store portions of videos in advance to ensure uninterrupted streaming. Similarly, web browsers store previous versions of pages visited, allowing users to go back and revisit content without having to reload each component.

Brief history of caching in computing

The evolution of caching has deep roots in time, dating back to the 1960s and 1970s, when early computers began to manifest the need to improve performance through temporary data storage techniques. The birth of the cache can be attributed to IBM mainframes, where it was used to store instructions and data frequently requested by the CPU.This approach represented a technological breakthrough in terms of efficiency, as it greatly reduced computation time.

In the 1980s, cache technology made its entry into personal computers, becoming an essential component in improving processor performance. As data and applications grew exponentially, caching extended its relevance not only to hardware but also to software, influencing many aspects of modern computing.

The evolution of caching technology

In their origins, computers were far from the computing power we are used to today. The need to optimize data access led to the development of the first forms of caching in IBM mainframes, where the instructions and data most used by the CPU were stored. This approach, revolutionary for the time, allowed processing times to be drastically reduced.

With the advent of the Internet and the exponential growth of data, caching has become increasingly central. New types of caches, such as browser cache and server cache, became essential for managing the enormous amount of information traveling on the Web, ensuring a smooth and fast user experience.

Indeed, the Web has magnified the role of caching, extending its scope to include not only data and instructions, but entire web contents. Server cache, browser cache, and network cache became crucial tools to ensure that information was exchanged and displayed as efficiently as possible. With the evolution of Web 2.0 and the rise of dynamic applications, caching has taken on an even more strategic role, facilitating rapid access to real-time generated content and significantly improving the user experience.

Continued innovation in caching has also led to the development of advanced techniques such as distributed caching, where data is stored on multiple geographically distributed servers to further reduce latency times and improve service availability. In an age when speed and efficiency are paramount, caching represents one of the most powerful and versatile tools available to software engineers and web developers.

Types of caches: what they are and what they are used for

We’ve said it: the cache system in computing is rich and varied, with different types that differ in purpose and functionality. Understanding these differences is essential to take full advantage of the potential of caching to optimize the performance of applications and websites, and in particular to optimize the performance of our website and deliver a flawless user experience.

These are the main types of caches, which often work together to improve speed, efficiency, and user experience in different technology applications.

1. Browser cache
   

• Stores static elements such as images, CSS files and JavaScript on the user’s device.
• Reduces the loading time of web pages on subsequent visits.

2. Server cache

• Temporarily stores data and web pages on the server to reduce workload and improve response speed and access to content.
• Includes tools such as Varnish Cache and Redis.

3. Mobile app cache
   

• Optimizes app performance on mobile devices by storing frequently used data.
• Improves user experience, especially in conditions of limited connectivity.

4. System cache
   

• Works at the operating system level to optimize access to files and data.
• Improves the overall performance of the computer or device.

5. Distributed caching

• Data is stored on a network of geographically distributed servers to improve speed and reliability.
• It reduces latency and improves service availability.

6. CDN

• Distributes static content over a global network of servers.
• Improves access speed and reduces the load on the main server.

7. Web app cache
   

• Used in web applications to store frequently requested data and resources.
• Improves responsiveness and loading speed of web apps.

8. Database cache
   

• Stores frequent queries and their results to reduce data access time.
• Use systems such as Memcached or Redis to optimize database performance.

Getting down to matters that concern us more closely, we can say that a website has direct power and control over these types of caches:

• • Server Cache. This is the type of cache over which you have the most control, and you can implement various caching technologies on the server, such as
    • Page caching: stores complete copies of dynamically generated web pages.
    • Fragment caching: stores specific parts of a page, such as a list of products or a block of content.
    • Object caching: stores the results of database queries or other complex operations.
    • Opcode caching: stores the compiled code of a scripting language to avoid having to recompile it with each request.

• • Site Cache. Many CMSs such as WordPress, Drupal and Joomla offer built-in features or plugins to manage website-level caching. This type of cache can include:
    • Page caching: similar to server-level page caching, but managed directly by the CMS.
    • Object caching: stores data frequently used by the CMS, such as theme options or widgets.

In terms of SEO, however, the types of caches that impact the most work are server cache, site cache, and CDN cache.

In summary, proper configuration of server cache can significantly reduce page load times, improving ranking in search results. Site cache also helps to improve page loading speed, which has a positive impact on SEO. Finally, while not strictly a type of cache that is directly managed by the website, using a CDN can greatly improve page load speed for users who are geographically distant from the main server. This can have a positive impact on SEO, especially for websites with a global audience, ensuring a fast and smooth browsing experience for all users, regardless of their geographic location.

How the caching mechanism works: the three main modes

Suboptimal caching does not only mean a bad user experience, because it also means worsening the dialogue with Google crawlers, precisely because of the specificities of this process.

To better understand, we can analyze the 3 main types of caching, their characteristics and the ways in which they affect each other.

1. Server side caching
   

Server cache works by temporarily storing responses to requests and dynamically generated content on the server infrastructure itself rather than on a client-side device. This type of caching can be useful if we have a site that publishes content that changes frequently, but can be equally stored temporarily to reduce page load time.

The advantage is that we have control over the storage settings, and in particular we can define different cache times for different files (and file types) on the site, evaluating the user’s need to see the latest version of that file. For example, front-page HTML content should probably be cached more often than the background image or style sheet.

The frequency of caching depends on the type of site in question: a news site might require a cache update with each user visit, and everything must be evaluated by examining the market niche, the content of the site, and even the similar actions of competitors.

Cache management is regulated by assigning an expiration label, which allows the browser to know how long an item can be retained and reused, and when to request it again from the server. Setting cache duration correctly will speed up load times for users-which is why Google suggests configuring a one-year validity period for most static resources. By adopting advanced version control techniques for resources, we will also be able to use longer cache durations: if the name of a file changes, the server will automatically request the new file from the server without drawing on the previously cached version. If we do not set a duration for the cache, on the other hand, the server will intend that it is necessary to retrieve the resource again each time, possibly resulting in a cache miss. This can often cause significantly longer load times.

The typical process of the server-side caching mechanism can be summarized in these key steps:

• Initial request. A user visits a dynamically generated Web page; the server receives the request and computes the response based on the dynamic content and request parameters.
• Cache storage. The server stores the generated response in the cache and sets a validity interval.
• Subsequent requests. If another user requests the same web page within the validity time interval, the server will directly provide the cached copy instead of recalculating the response again.
• Validity check. Once the validity time interval has expired, the cache is declared invalid and the server will have to regenerate the response and refresh the cache when it receives a new request.

This management of static code, content, and queries can be supported using a CDN, which uses a network of servers distributed around the world to dynamically return data based on the user’s geographic proximity. This feature allows sites to operate efficiently in challenging situations and deliver content to users based on location and capacity in real time.

2. Browser cache
   

Browser caching occurs at the individual visitor level: we do not have complete control over it, but we can influence it through the server’s cache storage settings, which tell the browser whether or not it should retrieve the latest version of each resource.

In practice, temporary storage of site information is hosted in the visitor’s device cache for retrieval at a later time; the returning visitor can also manually manage the cached data and clear the internal cache if necessary. This allows serving a responsive browsing experience while limiting server load, and is useful for large, complex sites or e-commerce pages with significant return audiences.

Browsers such as Google Chrome and Firefox typically cache so-called static resources (images, CSS), those that do not change too often from one visit to the next and therefore can be loaded much faster, since they do not have to be downloaded again from the Web.

When a user visits a Web page for the first time, the browser requests from the server the resources needed to display the page, such as HTML files, CSS, JavaScript, images, and other media; upon receiving these resources, the browser may store them in the local cache (browser cache) in the user’s device.

Although it is not possible to control how a user sets his or her browser cache (if he or she wishes, he or she could even perform a full refresh each time), browser caching is still very important, as this is how the browser remembers and stores visited websites in their local memory, helping the site load faster. As site owners, we can also dictate what information the client browser cache retains on a page-by-page basis, and we can also choose to clear our cache to remove obsolete or “old” material-an action that should always be taken after a site redesign or after the completion of a significant update.

3. Google cache
   

We also focus on a third form of caching, that accomplished by search engines such as Google, which store a backup version of a web page that can be provided to a user instead of the most recent version of the page. When a search engine, such as Google, indexes a page, it usually creates a cached version that users can view if the original website is unreachable or slow.

The Google cache is thus a snapshot of the page content and is captured when Google last crawled the website page.We have no precise information on how this storage works, but experiments suggest that Google’s crawler stores its visits to the site in a kind of “virtual” browser cache. Each time it crawls the site, it seems to use what is already in the browser’s virtual cache as a baseline, which allows it to crawl progressively more each time.

Google’s caching capabilities have a number of advantages, most notably:

• Search results: allows search session results to be presented quickly to users, as it allows a cached copy of the web page to be shown without having to draw directly from the original URL.
• Monitoring of changes: the Google cache facilitates the study and analysis of changes made to web pages over time, so as to simplify analysis and evaluations on SEO optimizations.
• Content availability: if a website is temporarily offline or inaccessible, Google’s cache still allows its last indexed state to be displayed. Therefore, users can access the content even if the original server is temporarily unreachable.

With respect to the latter point, by using the advanced search operator cache:website.com/page (to be replaced with the exact URL) we can find out the last time a site or page was cached, as well as view precisely the last static copy in Google’s virtual archive. We can also reach the cached copy of a web page from Google’s SERP, by clicking on the three vertical dots that – in the latest versions – lead to the “About this result” feature, which precisely also includes a “cache” button that makes us display the cached version of the web page.

It is important to note, however, that if the server-side c aching settings instruct users to retrieve the latest version of each resource on each visit, Google’s crawler (which is a virtual user) will also not be able to rely on previous scans and thus may scan a smaller part of the website; if the server settings then impose a refresh on each visit, we may run into ranking problems.

After the announcement in early 2024, Google’s cache links were effectively retired, so now different strategies must be used to display “archival” copies on the Web.

The role of cache servers in the Web

Let us go even deeper with our explanations.

Server caching is a technique used to temporarily store data directly on the server, reducing workload and improving response speed. This type of cache is critical for high-traffic Web sites, where speed of access to data is crucial. Server cache can store both static content, such as HTML pages and images, and dynamic content generated by databases.

A common example of server cache is the use of systems such as Varnish Cache or Redis, which store answers to frequently occurring queries, reducing server response time. This form of caching is also closely related to the scalability of an application. In a scalable environment, multiple servers can share the same distributed cache, allowing traffic spikes to be handled without slowdowns.

The server cache also plays a key role in data consistency. Implementing cache consistency policies is critical to ensure that stored data is always up-to-date and accurate. This involves techniques such as cache invalidation and cache expiration, which help keep the cache in sync with the rest of the infrastructure.

What is browser cache and how it works

Browser cache is perhaps the best known and most widely used form of caching. When a user visits a website, the browser downloads and stores static elements such as images, CSS files and JavaScript locally on the device. This operation speeds up the loading of web pages on subsequent visits, since many of the required elements are already present locally and do not have to be re-downloaded from the server.

Browser caching is essential not only to improve loading speed, but also to reduce bandwidth consumption. However, this type of cache can present the problem of data obsolescence. If the website is updated but the browser cache still contains an older version, the user may see outdated information. To mitigate this problem, techniques such ascache invalidation and configuring appropriate expiration policies are crucial.

Modern browsers also offer built-in tools for manually managing the cache. For example, in Google Chrome, by accessing the advanced settings, users can clear specific cached data. This is particularly useful for resolving any display problems due to outdated cache data.

What is site cache

There is also a site cache, as mentioned, which is a form of caching that is implemented at the web application or CMS level to improve website performance by storing static versions of dynamically generated pages. Site cache can be stored either client-side (in the user’s browser) or server-side.

Site cache can be in different places depending on the configuration: it can be stored in local files on the server, stored in caching systems such as Redis or Memcached, or distributed across multiple servers through a CDN (Content Delivery Network).

Site cache management varies depending on the platform used. For example, there are dedicated WordPress plugins such as W3 Total Cache or WP Super C ache that offer simple interfaces to configure and manage the cache. These tools allow you to clear and regenerate cache, configure cache duration, and set specific rules for pages or sections of the site.

Site cache management also requires an understanding of cache invalidation and cache expiration techniques to ensure that content is always up-to-date and consistent. In some cases, it may be necessary to implement cache-busting policies, using unique query strings in static resources to force reloading of updated versions.

Properly managing site cache is critical to balancing performance and data accuracy, improving the overall user experience and website efficiency.

Site caching: what it is used for and how to manage it

Site caching, client-side controlled caching, allows visitors to access the site and its pages via Google Cache. This feature proves useful for site owners who experience problems with site traffic management infrastructure difficulties.

In short, site caching provides a “backup” of content that allows returning visitors to view resources that may be temporarily unavailable or inaccessible if and when site elements cease to function. The display of a cached version of a Web site or page is controlled by viewers in the front-end of the site; this back-end configuration allows owners to determine what data to cache for return and how long it should be retained.

Cache function options can be set on a page-by-page basis, allowing site owners to provide a responsive site that loads quickly and performs well. In this way, sites can optimize caching even if they offer a combination of regularly updated content, long-standing materials, or complex elements that cannot be stored.

Site caching has several purposes, and in particular it can serve to:

• Improving performance. Caching reduces the loading time of web pages because it allows the browser to quickly retrieve stored data instead of having to request it from the server again.
• Reduce the load on the server. A portion of requests are fulfilled by the cache, so the server is less stressed, improving its efficiency and stability.
• Save bandwidth. Caching reduces the amount of data that must be downloaded by site visitors, decreasing bandwidth costs and increasing browsing speed.

We can use several methods and tools to manage the site cache, such as:

• Plugins and modules. Numerous plugins and modules are available for CMSs such as WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla, making it easy to configure and optimize site caching.
• Server configuration. At the server level, tools such as Varnish or Nginx can be used to implement more advanced and customized caching.
• Browser caching. Caching policies can be set through the use of HTTP headers, which allow you to control how long and how visitors’ browsers are cached.

How to prevent caching

If we do not want the Web site to be cached or appear in archive.org-a possible eventuality, for example, if we have dynamic pages with constantly changing content-we can use the following metatags that, inserted in the <head> tag of the HTML page, tell search engines how to handle temporary storage (caching) and archiving of Web pages in their index.

• content=”noarchive”
• content=”no-cache”

Specifically, content=“noarchive” specifies for search engine crawlers not to save a cached copy of web pages. As mentioned, when Google indexes a page it usually creates a cached version of the page, which users can view if the original website is unreachable or slow: by using the content=“noarchive” tag we prevent the search engine from creating and displaying this cached version on search result pages.

The content=“no-cache” meta tag tells search engines and browsers that the page should not be stored in the browser cache: this means that whenever a user visits the page, the browser will have to load it directly from the server instead of using the version stored in the local cache. This could be useful for pages with dynamic or sensitive content that changes frequently and requires updating in real time. Unlike the previous case, the “no-cache” tag is placed in the <head> tag of the HTML page, but within a http-equiv type meta.

It is important to note that the content=“no-cache” metatag is not always sufficient to prevent browser caching, as some browsers may ignore it. Therefore, it is advisable to also manage the cache by sending HTTP “Cache-Control” headers from the web server.

The importance of caching for SEO

If we are concerned with SEO, we cannot underestimate the potential impact of caching, which plays a crucial role not only in improving a site’s performance but also in determining its search engine ranking. Extremely, a site that loads quickly has higher potential in search results, providing a superior user experience and reducing the abandonment rate.

Caching SEO refers to the strategy of optimizing caching to improve a site’s loading speed and, consequently, its ranking in search engines. This includes a number of techniques, such as configuring .htaccess files to control cache invalidation, using CDNs to distribute static content, and compressing resources to reduce loading time.

A crucial element of SEO caching is the proper configuration of HTTP headers, which allow you to specify the cache duration for each resource. Proper use of headers can significantly improve page load speed by reducing the time it takes to load static elements. This not only improves theuser experience, but also the crawlability of the site, allowing search engines to index pages faster and more efficiently.

Another key aspect is cache expiration management. Properly configuring the expiration times of cache resources can ensure that content remains up-to-date, avoiding obsolescence problems. Google, for example, uses caching techniques to index web pages and maintain a copy of the pages in its database, known as Google Cache. Ensuring that search engines have access to the most recent version of the site is therefore essential to maintaining good rankings.

The benefits of optimal cache management

Properly managing a website’s cache is crucial for a variety of reasons, beginning with a potential benefit to page performance and the consequent improvement in UX.

When a user first visits a Web site, his or her browser saves selected site elements in its internal cache: this feature allows a variety of materials to be stored on the visitor’s computer, which can be quickly retrieved from memory when he or she returns to a Web site instead of extracting data from repeated downloads of content. Proper caching helps optimize site bandwidth utilization, reduce server load, and manage operational costs, and this also benefits visitors because it improves page responsiveness, allowing access to content that may be unavailable due to interruptions, and improving the overall user experience to encourage return visits.

There are three positive aspects in particular that we can highlight:

• Speed of page loading: a well-managed cache reduces the time it takes to load site pages, thereby improving the user experience and positively affecting the site’s ability to convert visitors into buyers or leads, decreasing the abandonment rate.
• Resource savings: caching reduces the load on the server, as cached resources are delivered directly to the user without the need to obtain data from the server again. This contributes to greater efficiency and optimized resource utilization.
• Improved SEO: page loading speed could go some way toward improving search engine rankings and thus SEO. With good cache management, the site will be indexed fasterbysearch engines and could benefit from a better position in search results, operating with optimal efficiency.

Website caching: why to improve speed and user experience

In short, caching is one of the most powerful tools for improving a website’s performance. By reducing page load time and improving site availability and accessibility, caching plays a crucial role in optimizing user experience. A site that loads quickly not only meets user expectations, but also reduces abandonment rates and increases dwell time, two key metrics in the digital marketing landscape.

Loading speed is a critical factor in user experience (UX). Web site caching allows copies of pages already visited to be stored locally on the user’s device or servers, reducing the number of requests to the server and speeding up page rendering. This is especially important for e-commerce sites, where faster loading can make the difference between a completed sale and an abandoned shopping cart.

Cache optimization is not just about speed, and site availability is another crucial factor. Using technologies such as distributed caching through Content Delivery Networks can ensure that the site remains accessible even during traffic peaks, avoiding down-time and improving user satisfaction.

But proper cache management not only affects user experience and site availability, it also has a direct impact on conversions. A fast and responsive site creates a conducive environment for transactions, improving conversion rates and ultimately profits. From a strategic perspective, investing in cache management can result in a significant return on investment, making this technical aspect a key priority for anyone working in digital marketing.

Managing the cache: best practices and common issues

Managing the cache effectively requires a thorough understanding of its dynamics and best practices. Site settings related to cached data must be carefully configured to avoid both overloading and failure to store crucial data. Special attention should be paid to configuring cache expiration times, which can vary depending on the type of content (static or dynamic) and the specific needs of the site.

One of the most critical aspects of cache management is updating. For example, updating the browser or server cache is essential to ensure that changes made to the site are correctly displayed. This may require actions such as clearing the cache manually, configuring HTTP headers to force the update, or using specific tools for cache management.

How to refresh browser and site cache

Refreshing the browser cache is a relatively simple but crucial task to ensure that users see the most up-to-date version of the website. In Google Chrome, for example, you can force a cache refresh using key combinations such as Ctrl + F5 on Windows or Cmd + Shift + R on macOS. These commands allow the browser to bypass the local cache and completely reload the page from the server.

In addition, by accessing Chrome’s advanced settings, it is possible to clear specific browsing data, including cached files. This operation can be particularly useful for solving display problems due to outdated cache data.

To update the site cache, especially when using CMSs such as WordPress, there are as mentioned several plugins and tools that can automate the process: each of them offers options to clear and regenerate the cache, ensuring that changes made to the site are immediately visible to users.

Common problems with site cache

Although caching is an essential element in improving the performance of a website, it can sometimes cause problems, which affect the user experience or compromise storage itself. The most common are:

• Outdated content. When the cache is not updated properly, visitors may see outdated versions of web pages, causing possible inconsistencies and usability problems. To avoid these mismatches between what is viewed by users and the current information on the site, it is critical to properly configure expiration times and use cache invalidation techniques.
• Compatibility issues. Some plugins or themes may not be compatible with cache settings, causing malfunctions or visual errors.
• Privacy and securityissues. Storing sensitive data or personal information in the cache can expose the site to risks. It is therefore important to exclude this data from the cache and implement appropriate security measures, such as encryption.
• Server overload, especially if data is cached indefinitely. Using cache-busting policies, such as adding unique query strings in static resources, can help keep the cache up-to-date and reduce the load on the server.
• Difficulty in troubleshooting. If there are problems with the site, caching can make it more difficult to identify and resolve the cause, since it may be necessary to clear the cache to see the effects of changes made.

On the technical side, however, these practical problems turn out to be frequent:

• Cache duration too short or absent: a cache expiration that is too short or the lack of a default expiration can cause poor cache utilization, resulting in increased load times and load on the server.
• Excessively long cache duration: setting too long a cache duration for dynamic and frequently updated content can lead to outdated versions of pages being displayed to visitors, causing content update and usability problems. A tip for managing duration appropriately is to check the strategy of better positioned competitors and “take a cue” for our own settings.
• Lack of version control of resources: without proper version control of static resources, visitors may continue to use old cached versions even when updated versions of resources, such as CSS, JavaScript, and images, are available. Likewise, it is important to verify that the cache has stored the correct page, especially among Google search results.
• Use of non-canonical URLs: using different URLs for the same content can generate duplicate caches and waste of resources, as the browser or server may store multiple copies of the same content.
• Failure to compress files: failure to compress resources such as CSS files, JavaScript and images can increase load times and bandwidth used, negating the benefits of caching.
• Failure to configure the server cache correctly: misconfiguring the server cache for a dynamic application can cause errors, such as displaying outdated or inconsistent content.
• Failure to optimize for mobile devices: if the cache is not optimized for mobile devices, users may experience long loading times and a compromised user experience on smartphones and tablets.
• Failure to configure CDN cache: failure to configure or inadequate use of a CDN network could adversely affect the distribution and optimization of static resources.

To manage these problems, it is important to properly monitor and configure the cache, ensuring that it is updated regularly and that it is compatible with the other components of the site; it is advisable to thoroughly test changes made to the site and cache settings to ensure that they do not cause problems to the user experience or site performance.

How to fix any problems with the Google cache

While efficient management from the cache can potentially lend a hand to efforts to gain organic visibility, the downside is the traffic and ranking losses that can result from incorrect settings.

When we encounter problems with Google’s cache, we can take action with some checks and fixes:

• Check of the canonical tag and its proper use.
• Check of the sitemap and, if necessary, generation of a new sitemap.
• Check of Google Search Console for any warnings or messages.
• Check of the GSC URL Inspection tool.
• SEO audit for a diagnostic, using tools such as Screaming Frog or SEOZoom’s Spider.
• Check of server caching settings 

Cache verification and control tools: what they are and how to use them

Monitoring and verifying the effectiveness of website caching is an essential step in ensuring that optimizations are working properly. One of the most useful tools in this context is the Google Cache check, which allows you to see how Google stores and displays pages on your site. This tool is critical for identifying any indexing problems and ensuring that search engines are accessing the most up-to-date version of web pages.

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Cache verification tools do not stop there. GTmetrix, Pingdom, and WebPageTest are some of the most popular services that offer detailed analyses of site performance. These tools not only measure page load time, but also provide insights into how caching is affecting overall site performance.

GTmetrix offers in-depth and detailed analysis of page load time, providing specific suggestions on how to optimize the cache; Pingdom, in addition to measuring load time, allows you to test your site from different geographic locations, offering a granular view of distributed cache performance; WebPageTest is a versatile tool that allows you to perform multiple speed tests and analyze in detail various aspects of the cache and site resources.

Using these tools to monitor and verify cache effectiveness is critical to maintaining high performance and continuously improving theuser experience. Remember that even small optimizations in cache management can have a big impact, and continuous verification is the key to keeping a website performing and responsive.