How to clear the site cache in the browser

The cache of a website in a browser is a special folder containing copies of data collected from pages visited by the user. Usually the cache stores page elements that have not changed between successive requests. These can be design elements, music, videos, images, styles, scripts. The process of saving such files is called caching.

The term comes from the French word "cache" - a hiding place or cache. The word was suggested by IBM Systems magazine editor Lyle Johnson in 1967 while working on an article about memory in new computers. Instead of the complicated definition of "high-frequency buffer," Johnson suggested using the word "cache." After the article was published, the term became widespread in the computer literature.

A cache in common parlance is an area of memory that stores data that applications or devices access frequently. Thanks to the cache, their re-loading from the main memory or from the server is excluded. This allows computers, websites and applications to work faster, reducing the load on memory and the network.

What is the cache structure

It is similar to a database with regular records. Each record contains a copy of data from main memory or server and a unique identifier. When a program needs data, it first checks the cache. If the necessary data is there, it is used immediately. If there is no data in the cache, the program accesses the main memory or the server, after which the loaded data is placed in the cache for faster access next time.

What is the purpose of the cache

The cache significantly improves system performance and reduces access time to frequently used data.

Types of cache memory

Hardware cache memory is an integral part of the system. It is present in various components: the hard disk drive, the video card, and the processor. When we talk about hardware cache memory, we are most often referring to the processor's memory, which is sometimes referred to as super RAM. It is responsible for speeding up the loading of data from RAM to provide instant access. It is volatile and is cleared automatically when the device is turned off.

Software cache memory is represented by accounting folders on the disk where programs and applications save their files. Each program has its own directory for storing the cache.

For example, the Yandex Browser cache can be found in the following path: Disk C: - Users - Account Name - AppData - Local - Yandex - YandexBrowser - User Data - Default - Cache. Note that the AppData folder is hidden, so you need to activate the hidden items display to get into it.

The size of the program cache has limitations so as not to reduce the efficiency of the whole system. When the available space runs out, the old data is deleted, making room for the new data.

Hardware cache device

Processor cache. To improve efficiency, processors use cache, also known as super RAM, which has a different physical structure. We will not go into complicated technical aspects, just note that accessing any data cell in this memory usually takes the same amount of time.

Super RAM is energy-dependent - data in this cache is stored only when the device is on. When the computer is turned off, the information is erased, similar to RAM. The next time the computer is turned on, the contents of the cache are unpredictable.

The processor's cache has several levels, from the first, the fastest, to the fourth. Some processors may have fewer levels, but no more. Most devices have three levels of cache.

The hardware cache can also be on external drives, which provides faster memory access. In addition, the system can use a portion of the computer's RAM as a "disk cache" when communicating with external drives.

Program cache device

Organized through coding. Data is accessed by prescribed algorithms. Data is written to the program cache in one of the following ways:

• end-to-end method - information is first cached in the main memory, then duplicated in the cache;
• deferred method - data is first cached and then, after a certain time or when space is needed, it is transferred to the main memory.

Cached data is most often stored in arrays or hash tables. In small applications such structures can be represented as variables, but more often they look like a simple database in the device RAM. Data can also be stored in separate files and directories.

The size of the program cache is regulated. If the cache reaches its limit, preemptive algorithms are applied to remove obsolete information and make room for new data.

Caching algorithms

There are several algorithms that govern the processes of adding and supplanting data. The best known are:

• MRU (Most Recently Used) - recently used data are removed;
• LFU (Least Frequently Used) - data that has been used less frequently than others is superseded;
• LRU (Least Recently Used) - removes data that has not been used for the longest time;
• ARC (Adaptive Replacement Cache) - a combination of the previous two methods.

There is also a theoretical algorithm that is impossible to implement practically: it involves removing the least useful information and is called the Belady algorithm. The impossibility of its realization is due to the fact that the computer is not able to predict which information is more useful. The existing algorithms are as close to his principle as possible.

Advantages of using the cache

Cache is an important element in modern computer systems, servers, web applications, websites. Without cache, the functioning of the Internet and IT in general would be difficult.

• Increases performance. Cached applications run faster and more efficiently: they can instantly retrieve the data they need from the cache instead of constantly loading it from external sources. 
• Load reduction. Cache reduces the frequency of accesses to the main storage, which reduces the load on it. This is especially critical for servers, as it prevents crashes and sudden drops in performance during peak loads.
• Increased throughput. Reading and writing data are time-consuming processes that can only be performed in a limited amount per unit of time. Cache allows many more operations to be performed.
• Access Optimization. There are certain data that is accessed more often than others - popular web pages or information from applications. Storing them in physical memory creates unnecessary load and slows down access. Using cache optimizes access to such data and distributes the load evenly.
• Cost reduction. This advantage is especially significant for web services. A server (network) cache reduces the cost of hosting databases or servers. In most cases, using a cache is cheaper than working without it.

Disadvantages of caching

• Hardware cache is expensive and depends on the power supply: if the device is turned off, all data is lost.
• Software cache is not able to solve all memory-related problems. It has volume limitations, and various algorithms do not allow you to save data in it for an indefinite period of time. This option is not suitable for long-term storage of important information.
• There is no single optimal caching algorithm that would be suitable for all cases. Each time developers choose an algorithm based on the specific tasks of the application.
• Cache capacity is limited.
  

These factors are not disadvantages in our usual sense. Cache is still actively used, it is only important to realize that it is a tool with its own peculiarities and limitations.

Why you need to clear your browser cache

There are four main reasons to regularly clear the site cache in your browser. The first reason is the slow performance of applications. If the cache is full, it negatively affects the performance of programs.

The second reason is that old files in the cache can cause errors in the operation of programs. For example, the browser can save old versions of scripts. If the site is updated, the browser, continuing to use cached data, cannot correctly display the innovations. In addition, an outdated version of the site may be stored in memory, for example, if you visited it on the day of the problem with a 404 error or several years ago, when the design or pages of the site were different.

The third reason is that having cached files opens the door for third parties to track your activity if they have access to a cached device. This is especially true when using public computers, such as in Internet cafes.

The fourth reason is that the cache takes up disk space, and overflowing it can be a problem.

If the cache is not cleared, the user who sits down at the computer after you can view your browser history. And if the device falls into the hands of an intruder, there are risks of personal data leakage - logins, passwords, bank cards, etc.

Thus, the cache should be cleared regularly.

How to clear cache in Google Chrome browser

Method 1

Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Delete. After that, the "Clear History" page will open. Select the period for which you want to clear the browser cache on your computer and click "Delete Data". If you want to delete passwords or autofill information - click on "Advanced" settings at the top of the window.

Method 2

Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Settings". On the page that opens, find the "Privacy and Security" section and click on "Clear History". A similar menu will open in front of you as in the first method. You need to select the desired time range and the desired categories:

• browsing history, 
• cookies and other site data, 
• images and cached files.

After selecting the required items, click the "Delete Data" button.

Method 3

You can use special browser extensions: One Cleaner, Clean Guru or Clean Master. They function similarly to computer utilities, but are integrated directly into the browser.

• Install one of the extensions, for example, Clean Master. 
• Activate it in your browser and set the time interval. 
• Click on the "Clean" button.

Method 4

Another option is to use free computer applications that clean up temporary files. Among the best known are Clean Master and CCleaner for Windows, BleachBit and Stacer for Linux, and CCleaner for macOS. These programs aim to scan your computer for viruses and remove various "junk" files like logs and temporary data. They can also show you how much space these files are taking up and how they are affecting your system as a whole. One of these applications can help you clear the cache at the same time.

• Install an application such as CCleaner. 
• Launch the program and select the "Standard Cleanup" option in the menu. 
• In Google Chrome, check the necessary options and click the "Cleanup" button.

Now you know how to delete cache in Chrome and you can choose the most convenient way.

How to clear cache in Yandex Browser

Method 1

Use the key combination Ctrl + Shift + Delete. A menu will appear where you need to check the boxes next to the items you are going to delete. Then select a time interval and click the "Clear" button.

Method 2

To clear the site cache in Yandex Browser via settings, click on the menu icon at the top of the browser and go to "Settings". Scroll down to the "System" block and find "Clear History" at the bottom. A menu similar to the first method will open. Select the necessary items and click on the "Clear" button.

Method 3

The cache can be cleared through the browsing history. To do this, click on the menu icon and select the "History" option, or use the combination Ctrl + H. In the lower left corner, find the "Clear History" button, select the desired items, set the time range and click "Clear".

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How to clear cache in Internet Explorer

Method 1

Press the key combination Ctrl + Shift + Delete.

Method 2

Left-click on the "Tools" gear icon in the upper right corner or use the Alt + X combination. In the menu that opens, select "Browser Properties". Then, in the "Browser Log" section, click on the "Delete" button. In the window that appears, check "Temporary Internet and website files" and click "Delete".
Note that Internet Explorer does not allow you to select a time interval for deletion.

How to clear cache in Firefox

Method 1

Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Delete. On the page that appears, you will be able to customize the cache clearing settings: define the time range and select what you want to delete. Then click on the "OK" button.

Method 2

Click on the burger icon in the top menu. Go to the "Settings" section:

On the page that opens, select "Privacy and Protection". Scroll down to the "Cookies and Site Data" block. Check the boxes as you see fit and click "Delete".

If you don't need to clear all temporary browser files, you can select a specific site and delete its temporary data. To do this, in the same section "Cookies and site data" click on "Manage data". In the window that opens, select the desired site from the list and click "Delete selected".

How to clear cache in Opera

Method 1

Use the key combination: Ctrl + Shift + Delete. The "Clear History" page will open, where you should select the period to be cleared and check the necessary boxes.

Method 2

Right-click on the page or go to the settings menu via the upper right corner. Select "Open all browser settings". Then go to the "Privacy and Security" section, select "Clear browsing history".

After that, a window similar to the first method will appear in front of you. Specify the necessary parameters and click "Delete data".

How to clear the cache in Microsoft Edge

Method 1

Press the key combination Ctrl + Shift + Delete, and in the menu that appears, check the necessary options. Note that there are many more options here than in other browsers. You can clear:

• browser and download logs, 
• cookies and other data from websites, 
• cached images and files, 
• passwords, 
• form autofill data, 
• site permissions, 
• all data from a previous version of Microsoft Edge, 
• media Foundation data.

Check each item carefully to avoid accidentally deleting unnecessary information. After that, click the "Delete Now" button.

Method 2

Another way to clear the cache is to go into settings by tapping the three dots on the screen. Next, go to the "Privacy, Search and Services" section. In the "Delete web browsing data" block, click on "Select items to delete", check the required items and choose a time range. You can also delete unnecessary data via "Log? which opens via the settings menu or by using the Ctrl + H key combination. Then click on "Clear browser data".

How to clear cache in Safari

Method 1

Use the keyboard shortcut Option + Command + E. This will delete the entire cache without any additional warnings.

Method 2

From the top menu, select "Development" and click "Clear caches".

If the "Development" option is not displayed, go to Safari - Settings - Add-ons. Check the "Show Development menu in the menu bar" box, and then in the "Development" menu at the bottom of the settings window, click "Clear caches".

In this browser, there is no option to select a time period to clear. You can only clear the entire browser cache.

How to delete the cache in Atom

Method 1

Apply the key combination Ctrl + Shift + Delete. In the window that opens, check the boxes next to the required items. Select the time period and click on the "Delete data" button.

Method 2

Click on the burger icon in the top right corner and go to "Settings".

Then select "Privacy and Security" and click on "Clear History". Specify the time interval, check the checkboxes and click on "Delete Data".

Summary

It is recommended to clear the cache about every 2-4 weeks. This helps to improve performance and interaction with the Internet. Regular clearing speeds up page loading, solves content display problems and ensures that the information you download is up to date. Clearing also protects your privacy, as the cache may contain personal data and traces of your online activity. Thus, clearing the cache is not just a technical necessity, but a big step towards safe and efficient Internet surfing.