# Caching vs Content Delivery Networks – What's the Difference?

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## Metadata
- Author: [[anamika.ahmed.792]]
- Full Title: Caching vs Content Delivery Networks – What's the Difference?
- Category: #articles
- URL: https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/caching-vs-content-delivery-network/
- Archive: https://web-archive.alecodes.page/bookmarks?bf=1&search=&title=Caching%20vs%20Content%20Delivery%20Networks%20%E2%80%93%20What%27s%20the%20Difference%3F
> [!tldr]
> In the world of network optimization, Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) and caching are essential for enhancing website performance and user experience. Caching involves temporarily storing frequently accessed data to reduce response times, while CDNs use a network of servers to deliver web content more efficiently. Both methods aim to improve performance, optimize resource utilization, and enhance user experience. Caching is ideal for frequently accessed static content, while CDNs excel at delivering content globally, especially dynamic content and media. Combining caching and CDNs can offer optimal results, particularly for websites with a mix of static and dynamic content.

## Highlights
Caching is a technique used to store copies of frequently accessed data temporarily. The cached data can be anything from web pages and images to database query results. When a user requests cached content, the server retrieves it from the cache instead of generating it anew, significantly reducing response times. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j5rvjkrkd34kjh984axnab87))

What to Consider When Implementing a Cache SystemDecide When to Use a Cache:
• A cache is best for frequently read but infrequently modified data.
• Cache servers are not suitable for storing critical data as they use volatile memory.
• Important data should be stored in persistent data stores to prevent loss in case of cache server restarts. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j5rvj1mdcbaqnj0e9n2vnw3v))

In technical terms, a CDN is a network of servers distributed across various locations globally. Its primary purpose is to deliver web content, such as images, videos, scripts, and stylesheets to users more efficiently by reducing the physical distance between the server and the user. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j5rvrwx5kh2fpqwfpnvxeqd9))

What to Consider When Implementing a CDN
• **Cost Management**: CDNs charge for data transfers. It’s wise to cache frequently accessed content, but not everything.
• **Cache Expiry**: Set appropriate cache expiry times. Too long, and content might be stale. Too short, and it strains origin servers.
• **CDN Fallback**: Plan for CDN failures. Ensure your website can switch to fetching resources directly from the origin if needed.
• **Invalidating Files**: You can remove files from the CDN before they expire using various methods provided by CDN vendors. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j5rvvgawfs37758cbyyz9g69))

In fact, studies show that CDNs can ****reduce video startup time by up to 50%****, making a significant difference in user satisfaction. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j5rvxqm29rk1kwr36j6m9nmp))

Caching is ideal for frequently accessed content that doesn't change frequently. This includes static assets like images, CSS files, and JavaScript libraries.
It's particularly effective for websites with a substantial user base accessing similar content, such as news websites, blogs, and e-commerce platforms. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j5rw4q49kh725b3er30axw9q)) [[dev]] [[favorite]] 

CDNs are invaluable for delivering content to a global audience, especially when geographical distance between users and origin servers leads to latency issues.
They are well-suited for serving dynamic content, streaming media, and handling sudden spikes in traffic.
CDNs also excel in scenarios where content needs to be delivered reliably and consistently across diverse geographic regions, ensuring optimal user experience regardless of location. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j5rw5x54n9bs6qg1mygc0vd9))

