Cache API vs Session Storage

Developers should learn the Cache API when building web applications that require offline capabilities, faster load times, or reduced network dependency, such as PWAs, single-page applications, or content-heavy sites meets developers should use session storage when they need to store temporary, session-specific data such as form inputs, shopping cart items, or user preferences that should not persist beyond the current browsing session. Here's our take.

Cache API

Nice Pick

Developers should learn the Cache API when building web applications that require offline capabilities, faster load times, or reduced network dependency, such as PWAs, single-page applications, or content-heavy sites

Pros

• It is particularly useful for caching static assets like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and images to enhance user experience in low-connectivity scenarios
• Related to: service-workers, progressive-web-apps

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Session Storage

Developers should use Session Storage when they need to store temporary, session-specific data such as form inputs, shopping cart items, or user preferences that should not persist beyond the current browsing session

Pros

• It is particularly useful for single-page applications (SPAs) to maintain state during navigation without server requests, and for security-sensitive data that should be cleared when the session ends to prevent unauthorized access from other users on shared devices
• Related to: local-storage, cookies

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Cache API is a platform while Session Storage is a concept. We picked Cache API based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Cache API wins

Based on overall popularity. Cache API is more widely used, but Session Storage excels in its own space.