Cache
Cache is temporary storage used by browsers and systems to save frequently accessed data. It helps websites load faster by storing images, files, and other resources locally on your device.
How it works
When you visit a website for the first time, your browser downloads its data and saves parts of it in the cache. The next time you visit the site, the browser loads this data from the cache instead of downloading it again. This reduces loading time and saves internet traffic.
Why cache is useful
Cache helps with:
- faster page loading
- reduced data usage
- smoother browsing experience
- less load on servers
When cache causes problems
Sometimes cached data becomes outdated. This can cause display issues or prevent updates from appearing correctly. Clearing the cache usually fixes these problems.
A simple example
Cache is like keeping frequently used items on your desk instead of going to storage every time.
Related terms
Source
Information simplified from the Wikipedia article “Cache (computing)”.