Comments on: Cache Pages for Faster Loading Times

By: Compress jQuery Even Further | brightscape.net

Compress jQuery Even Further | brightscape.net — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:15:05 +0000

[...] One recommendation when using caching for extended periods (I.e. longer than a few hours), it is recommended to use numbered file names. In the case of jQuery, it is automatically given a unique file name when downloaded. It is recommended to maintain this structure for when the script is upgraded on the site. Please read our previous article for more detailed instructions on .htaccess/page caching. [...]

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:19:12 +0000

Thanks Faragon,

As far as I know there isn’t a way to automatically check the date of the file updates.

The reason you change the file name, is that if a user visits your site they will continue to get an out-dated JavaScript or CSS file because the filename is the same and the server wont download a new version.

By using incremental number changes, this forces the server to download any updated files, if the version in the users cache is older.

I know it can be a bit annoying having to make such sitewide changes, but using Find/Replace in a text editor or Dreamweaver enables you to do it fairly quickly.

A little tip for testing changes on your own PC. Hold down Shift and press the Refresh icon on your browser and the browser will request all the files from the server again rather than caching any.

By: Faragon

Faragon — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:19:22 +0000

Awesome post Rob,

Thanks for sharing this information. Very soon I will try to implement this technique.

When the “expire” time period is set, do you necessarily need to change the name of the files once you update them or is there a way for it to do a date check and update automatically?

thanks.

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:30:17 +0000

Excellent moserw, I’m glad it works for you. I think most decent Apache hosted packages are capable of using this technique. It’s just some hosts seem to disable some of these types of functions.

By: moserw

moserw — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:28:21 +0000

Rob,

Have started using it and have not experienced any problems till now. Will keep you in the loop if any trouble turns up. Thanks for replying, much appreciated.

moserw

By: Rob

Rob — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:07:27 +0000

I hope it works for you Moserw, it does really depend on how your server is setup. But it is definitely worth trying it out.

By: moserw

moserw — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 02:40:47 +0000

Thanks for sharing. Its really useful if it works long time. Have tried caching before but kept getting 500 error. Hope this works. Much appreciated.

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:29:35 +0000

If your virtual host doesn’t support mod_expires I’d suggest sticking with a Wordpress plug-in. That is the only problem with virtual hosting. It’s worth finding out what’s included in the package beforehand.

My host allows me to pick modules and install them for use on my site. flexibility for those who want/need extra customisation.

By: Mark @ TheLocoMono

Mark @ TheLocoMono — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 22:40:09 +0000

I just found out from my host server that

“That module doesn’t exist on our servers, so… it would be pointless to have it.”

Is there an alternative module? I am trying to find out if my host server has more information available as to what module is available.

By: Rob

Rob — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:48:48 +0000

If you use external JavaScript files (which is advisable), the above code will do this for you by picking up the file extension (.js).

Ajax is JavaScript so it should work for that to. You can compress any xml as well by including the (.xml) extension to the htaccess file.

As with all these things, test and test again. If things don’t work correctly tweak the file by adding/removing extensions until you are happy.

Remember for testing purposes, when you refresh to clear the cache so that your browser isn’t loading the cached version of the page. In Firefox Shift + Refresh button.