Wait! Have you clear your cache, sir?
Author: Rafie

M any of us may come across once in a while the term cache (pronounced as "cash "). To anyone that does not know what it is, cache is simply a temporary storage area where frequently accessed data can be stored for rapid access (Wikipedia). In terms of website, it enable you to load a particular website faster compared to the first time of your visit. Since then, some of us might say, “why should I bother about it when it helps me a lot?” In this article, I will show you the downside of it which can be quite important to a web designer/developer and client.

» Web designer/developer

A job of a designer of a website it totally different, I agree. However, they are working on the same thing - the website. Let’s focus on the coding of the website for the sake of explanation. A web designer will code the Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) while a web developer will work on the databases such as (PHP, XHTML, or etc). During these process, each of them will try to run and make sure the codes that they have written appeared as desired and also working at the same time. If there is a slight error, amendment is needed. Next step is to hit the F5 button for Refresh.

In most cases, it will work if you have a dummy server in your machine (Pc or Mac). There is no problem with that but if it is on the web, if you can’t see any changes. It is either the code is still wrong or the cache itself has blindfolded your eyes to see the actual results. Most designers and developers tend to forget that the internet browser is capable of storing the website for a moment - usually known as web cache. Thus, any adjustments might not be visible at that particular moment. A wise designer/developer will clear his browser cache before viewing the result. Else, you might want to try with different browser to see if the changes made is as desired.

» Client

In terms of client, it is the designer/developer’s responsibility to educate them. Once, my told me, “I couldn’t see any changes that you’ve made to the website. Please make a necessary changes.” Lucky me I was there at that moment, I then politely asked his permission to use the computer as I believe that I’ve made those changes a day before the meeting. With few simple steps, I clear the web cache in his computer and the web is working well as expected. The same case happened to me yesterday when I was helping out the iLuvIslam.com team to setup their miniblog. I’ve made necessary changes to the codes and nothing seems to work out. Suddenly I remembered what had happened to me. Next, I viewed the website with Safari and it is working as aspected.

In conclusion, think twice before you do something. Be wise and clean your cache when necessary. Cache can cause frustration but this can be overcome by taking precaution (clearing your cache) because even gamers need to clear their cache. Thank you for reading. Leave your comments or share your personal experience.

» References

1. Xbox 360: Remember To Clear Your Cache - January 5th, 2008

2. Study: Consumer Delete Cookies at Suprising Rate - March 14th, 2005

3. Deleting web browser cookies & cache - August 31, 2006

Subscribe via RSS • Subscribe via Email • Stumble it!