Config & Markup

Varnish Configuration Language

Varnish Configuration Language (VCL) is a domain-specific language used to configure Varnish Cache, a high-performance HTTP reverse proxy and caching server. It allows developers to define caching policies, request/response handling, and backend server routing through a declarative syntax. VCL scripts are compiled into C code and executed by Varnish at runtime, enabling fine-grained control over caching behavior.

Also known as: VCL, Varnish Config, Varnish Cache Language, Varnish VCL, Varnish Configuration

🧊Why learn Varnish Configuration Language?

Developers should learn VCL when working with Varnish Cache to optimize web application performance by implementing custom caching rules, load balancing, and content manipulation. It is essential for use cases like reducing server load, improving response times for static and dynamic content, and implementing advanced caching strategies such as edge-side includes (ESI) or purging cached content programmatically.

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Learning Resources

Varnish Cache VCL Documentation

Varnish Tutorial: Getting Started with VCL

Varnish Cache Configuration Language (VCL) Course on Udemy

Varnish VCL Basics - YouTube Video

Book: 'Varnish Cache 3.0' by Thijs Feryn

Related Tools

Varnish Cache Http Caching Reverse Proxy Web Performance Content Delivery Network

Alternatives to Varnish Configuration Language

Nginx Configuration Apache Htaccess Traefik Configuration

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