Performance · Website glossary

Browser cache

Quick answer · What is Browser cache?

A browser's local storage of reusable web responses, governed by caching rules and validation behavior.

IN PRACTICE

Browser cache: an example

A returning visitor may reuse a stylesheet until the browser needs to validate or refresh it.

KEEP IN MIND

Browser caching is different from server-side caching; clearing one layer may leave another unchanged.

Put the idea to work

Frequently asked questions

What is a practical example of Browser cache?

A returning visitor may reuse a stylesheet until the browser needs to validate or refresh it.

Does clearing the browser cache also clear server caches?

Browser caching is different from server-side caching; clearing one layer may leave another unchanged.

Which concepts should I read alongside Browser cache?

Cache: A store of reusable results or data that can reduce repeated retrieval or computation.