Content Delivery Network
A Content Delivery Network (CDN) is a geographically distributed network of proxy servers and data centers that work together to provide fast delivery of Internet content. It caches content like web pages, images, and videos at edge locations closer to users, reducing latency and improving load times. CDNs also enhance security and reliability by distributing traffic and mitigating DDoS attacks.
Developers should use a CDN when building websites or applications that serve global audiences, require high performance, or handle large volumes of static content. It's essential for e-commerce sites, media streaming platforms, and any service where speed and uptime are critical, as it reduces server load and improves user experience. CDNs are also valuable for securing applications by offering features like SSL/TLS encryption and web application firewalls.