- Aug 23
- 6 min read
In computing, a cache is a storage strategy that reduces page loading time for website users, this is an important consideration when planning how to make a website, as it can mean a site that loads faster and ensures an improved user experience. It does so by using hardware or software to temporarily retain data so it can be recalled more quickly upon the next request.
Wix offers fully managed web hosting for a hassle-free experience.
Caches can be used for web browsers, web servers, applications, CPUs (computer processing units), HDDs (hard disk drives), web hosting, operating systems and other components that make up website infrastructure.
Wix hosting keeps your website running smoothly and securely from day one. With reliable performance, strong security and built-in caching infrastructure, your site is ready to grow without limits.
TL;DR: what is cache?
A cache is a temporary storage layer that holds frequently accessed data so it can be retrieved faster on subsequent requests. Instead of fetching the same data from scratch every time, a cache serves a saved copy, reducing load times and server strain.
Caches exist in browsers, web servers, CDNs, applications and hardware. For website owners, the most relevant types are browser cache, server cache and CDN cache, all of which affect how quickly your pages load for visitors.
Types of cache
Cache appears across many layers of computing and web infrastructure. Understanding the different types helps you make better decisions about website performance and hosting.
Browser cache
The browser cache stores files from websites you have visited, including images, scripts and stylesheets, locally on your device. When you revisit that site, your browser loads these saved files instead of downloading them again, making the page appear faster.
Server cache
Server-side caching stores the output of database queries or dynamically generated pages so the server does not have to rebuild them from scratch on every request. This reduces the processing load on the server and speeds up response times for all visitors, not just returning ones.
CDN cache
A content delivery network (CDN) caches copies of your website's static assets, such as images, CSS and JavaScript files, on servers distributed around the world. When a visitor loads your site, they receive content from the CDN node closest to them, reducing latency regardless of where your origin server is located.
Application cache
Application caches store the results of expensive computations or API calls so they do not need to be repeated. This is particularly useful for web apps that perform complex data processing or rely on third-party services with rate limits.
What is a browser cache?
Browser cache, or web caching, is the most commonly referenced term when speaking about caches. In this case, the cache is related to the storage element that allows previously and frequently visited web pages to load faster after the first user visit.
How does a browser cache work?
When you’re browsing the internet and try to load a website, you’re essentially sending a request to the cache to check if the data for the page you want is already stored there. If so, this is a called a ‘cache hit,’ and the data will be retrieved to allow your page to load quickly.
For example, you might notice that a website you visit regularly loads fast every time that you visit it. That’s because the browser has already saved and pulled the cached version from your first visit, so it’s able to produce the requested page in minimal loading time.
On the other hand, if the data for your web page isn’t found, this is known as a ‘cache miss.’ In this case, the page will not load fast during that browser session. However, the data will be saved in your cache storage so the page will load faster in the future.
Why and when should I clear cache?
Clearing the cache refers to the process of deleting temporary files and data that your computer, smartphone, or web browser stores to speed up future access to websites, applications, or files. These caches include various types of data, such as images, scripts, stylesheets, and other resources that are downloaded from the internet or generated by applications.
The most common customer service response to a web page issues is ‘clear your cache.’ But why is it important and what exactly does this instruction mean?
Clearing the cache wipes your storage clean, so that the next time you load any web page it will be as if no data had been previously saved. As a result, your pages will load slower.
On the surface, that sounds like a bad thing. But clearing your cache can often help alleviate common web page issues, such as web pages that won’t load or are distorted, the appearance of incorrect data, the inability to login to your account from a web page, and more. While these disruptions aren’t always cache-related, it’s always worth first trying to clear your cache to see if that quick fix solves the error before investigating more complex alternatives.
Here's what clearing the cache does in more detail:
Frees up storage: Over time, cached files can accumulate and take up space on your device. By clearing the cache, you can free up storage space and potentially improve the overall performance of your device.
Improves site performance: Caching is designed to enhance performance by storing frequently accessed data locally. However, if cached data becomes outdated or corrupted, it can actually slow down your device or cause issues with websites and applications. Clearing the cache can help resolve these performance issues.
Resets cached content: Cached data can sometimes lead to display or functionality issues, especially if the cached content has changed on the server-side but your device is still using the old cached version. Clearing the cache forces your device to retrieve the latest version of content from the server, resolving potential mismatches.
Fixes website issues: If you encounter problems with websites not loading correctly, displaying outdated information, or not functioning properly, clearing your browser's cache can often help resolve these issues by ensuring that your browser fetches fresh content from the website.
Clears privacy data: In addition to cached files, clearing your browser's cache might also delete other types of data, such as cookies and browsing history. This can help protect your privacy by removing traces of your online activities.
Resolves login issues: Sometimes, cached login credentials can lead to issues when trying to log in to certain websites or applications. Clearing the cache can help in such cases by forcing you to enter your credentials again, which can sometimes resolve login-related problems.
View website updates in real time: If you're a website developer or designer, clearing your browser's cache can help you see the changes you've made to a website in real-time. Without clearing the cache, your browser might display a cached version of the site, making it difficult to see the latest updates.
It's important to note that while clearing the cache can be beneficial in many cases, it might also result in a slightly slower initial loading time for websites and applications as your device needs to retrieve and re-cache the content. However, this delay is usually short-lived.
The exact process of clearing the cache varies depending on the device and software you're using. Instructions can be found in the settings or preferences of your browser, operating system, or specific applications.
What is browser cache storage?
Caches have limited storage. Luckily, they're designed to maintain their own storage availability by getting rid of old, unused data, so it can be replaced with new, more frequently-requested data. Therefore, your cache might not have the data for every page you have ever loaded stored and ready for quick recall.
Cache and website performance
Caching is one of the most effective ways to improve website speed. Page load time directly affects user experience and search engine rankings. Google uses Core Web Vitals, which include loading performance metrics, as a confirmed ranking factor, meaning faster sites have a competitive advantage in search results.
For website owners, caching works at multiple levels simultaneously. Your hosting provider may apply server-side caching to reduce database load. A CDN layer caches static assets globally to reduce latency. And browser caching ensures returning visitors load your pages faster without making additional server requests.
When you build a site with Wix, caching is handled automatically across all these layers. Wix's hosting infrastructure includes built-in CDN caching via a network of over 200 global nodes, so your content is delivered quickly to visitors regardless of where they are located.
Wix's AI website builder creates a fully hosted, cached website automatically, so you benefit from fast page delivery from the moment your site goes live.
You can also handle domain registration directly through Wix, keeping your domain, hosting and caching infrastructure all in one managed platform.
Wix offers secure, scalable web hosting built in when you create your website.
