Cache busting missing or ineffective
- Caching
Problem Summary
Cache busting (versioning) ensures browsers download updated files instead of using cached versions. Missing or ineffective cache busting means users see old content after updates.
Performance Impact
- Broken functionality: Old JS/CSS causes errors
- Stale design: Users don’t see updates
- Forced full reloads: Can’t leverage browser cache
- User complaints: “The site looks broken”
How to Detect
- Manual testing: Update files, clear cache, test
- Browser DevTools: Check if versions change in URLs
- CDN logs: See if updates propagate
Solutions
1. Query String Versioning
<link rel="stylesheet" href="style.css?ver=1.2.3">2. Filename Versioning
<link rel="stylesheet" href="style.1.2.3.css">3. WordPress Enqueue
wp_enqueue_style('my-style', get_stylesheet_uri(), [], '1.2.3');4. Use Build Tools
Webpack, Gulp, or similar can auto-version.
5. Set Proper Cache Headers
Long cache for versioned files.