We exist in an extremely fast-paced technologically dominated era with evolving features that have new names and terms. So if you are unfamiliar with certain terms you are not alone. We have this article to help you understand what cache is and how it holds an important place in managed web hosting.
Don’t have any clue what a cache is? Would you like to find out about this vital aspect of technology that has incredible benefits? They include increasing the speed of your website and making managed web hosting more affordable. So it’s better to understand it better. Well, here we go.
What is Web Caching?
Web caching is the process that saves your data in the server in case it is to be used in the future. If you’re wondering how exactly it works, we’ve got you.
When you access a website, every bit of your web data is collected and converted into an HTML file that you can access through your browser. So when you visit the site again, it is the cache that simply puts up a copy. It is extremely helpful for your server to maintain its speed without getting weighed down. Keep in mind that when you update your website all of your caches is lost and then the collection of data will have to start all over again.
Remember, cache is not used by all the websites on the internet. Plus, cache can be eliminated manually or it can also expire. If you want to get rid of the cache in Google Chrome, go to the top right of your page and select the three dots. Then press H+Ctrl or click on History. You can choose the options you want to get rid of and then click on Clear data.
Why do you need caching for web hosting?
Websites encounter lots of traffic. They have hundreds of people, or in many cases more, accessing their page. Once a person wants to visit your website, the server receives a request sent for the website’s data including all types of content. The user’s browser receives this data that is individually loaded and then displayed on their screen. So every time a user wants to visit, a new request is made and sent that puts all of the steps in motion anew. Hence, during heavy traffic, the speed of the server along with its performance takes a toll and goes down, which directly affects the load time of the website.
Caching basically creates a snapshot of your website and stores it in various places. So once the request is placed, it is sent to the nearest location of the user which helps shorten the time it takes to load the website. It also helps reduce the stress on the server and helps maintain perfect levels of operations. There are intact different kinds of caching that a website can benefit from.
What are the various kinds of Caching?
If you can’t figure out where exactly the cached data is stored, that’s because it depends on the type of caching. There are several kinds of caching that usually work in similar ways theoretically but differ in reality.
Caching is a pretty complicated subject that can be understood through various aspects. You can gain insight into the different types of caching depending on where they keep their data. Some caching types wills you’re that data on the user’s computer itself when they access the website for the first time. This makes loading time extremely quick. However, it does not really quicken the loading time the first time you visit the website, which is important as first impressions matter.
There are other kinds of caching that store data at exterior locations that can be geographically placed at various places helping them provide access easily. So the browser being used by the visitor has to merely send a request to one of these locations closest in the vicinity and the data will be sent directly, without the source server being involved every time.
Benefits of Caching
Caching is a boon for users as well as managed web hosting providers as they are immensely helpful in transferring content. Here are some of the main advantages of caching.
- Reduced networks costsWhen the user requests data, cached content can be stored anywhere between that user and the main server. So the location that is closest to the user will send the cached content thus reducing the amount of network activity required and a decrease in its cost.
- Increased response timeSince the content can be sent and received faster due to shorter distance and eliminating the need to access the main server every time, it helps boost the response time. Browser cache can especially make this process in the blink of an eye due to its proximity to the user.
- High hardware performanceThe original server can now perform more functions on its hardware as caching takes care of a huge load of activities that would have otherwise have to be taken care of by it. Caching also allows powerful servers in various locations to take care of the work that would fall on one server in other cases.>
Conclusion
Website caching is one of the most vital functions to help your website load faster and be accessible to users at high speeds. Different types of caching make a difference in the way cache are stored and accessed. It is crucial during times of increase in traffic to lighten the load on your server. Hence, you should keep it in mind while running your website.