HTTP Caching
HTTP Caching is a web performance optimization technique that stores copies of resources (like HTML pages, images, or API responses) to reduce server load and improve page load times for users. It works by allowing browsers, proxies, or CDNs to serve cached content instead of fetching it from the origin server on every request. This is controlled through HTTP headers that specify caching policies, such as expiration times and validation mechanisms.
Developers should learn HTTP Caching to build faster, more scalable web applications, especially for high-traffic sites or APIs where performance is critical. It's essential for reducing bandwidth costs, decreasing server load, and enhancing user experience by minimizing latency. Use cases include caching static assets (e.g., CSS, JavaScript files), implementing efficient API responses, and optimizing content delivery through CDNs.