As an development agency owner I hate cache – why?
We really lose a lot of money because of this bastard in the same occasion: Constant delays on QA
Why?
Because at some point somebody from the team can’t see the changes to verify that project can move to the next phase:
- QA,
- PM,
- Client,
- Designer
Why don’t just flush cache?
It’s easier to say than to do, and in this article we’ll try all methods you may need
The types of cache
First of all, there are multiple types of cache, depending on where it is stored:
- Your browser,
- Optimisation Plugin cache,
- Website server cache,
- Cloudflare or other cloud service
How to flush browser cache
This is the most common type of cache. Your developer says some changes are already on the page, you open and can’t see it. You check for cache plugin but there is nothing at all or the one you’re using is disabled. You try in incognito – it works. This is the common way to define that you’re dealing with the browser cache.
And there 3 ways to check the work in this case:
- Incognito mode, we’ve just covered
- Clear cache in browser through settings->history->clear browsing data for the last days/weeks/minutes. I’d test with 7 days max
- Refresh the page using combination of keys on your keyboard: CNTRL ( or Command for mac users) + Shift + R. You might also configure custom combination. If you did – use it, if no – default one should work
How to flush Optimisation Plugin cache
Again, quite easy – it’s the cache generated by optimisation plugin and you should see something like flush cache, clear cache or something like that on your wordpress admin toolbar, when you’re logged in as administrator. The most popular cache plugins:
- WpRocket
- Wp speed matters
- W3 total cache
- RoundCloud
- Breeze
- Autoptimize
As you can see not all of them contain “cache” part, so be careful. Sometimes worth to check your plugins list with searching a “cache” and you’ll see the plugin name. Then just find plugins setting page and flush it.
How to flush the server cache
Server cache is being generated by your hosting provider and sometimes you can flush it from your wordpress admin panel, like if you’re hosted at WpEngine or Godaddy or you might need to actually visit your hosting page as at Cloudways or Hostinger.
If you do not have access to the client’s hosting account, try installing the cache plugin, wait for it to generate the cache and flush it again. Sometimes this hooks up with hosting cache and plugin is in charge, so you can flush it
How to flush the Cloudflare or other cloud service cache
You can do this only by visiting your cloudflare or other cloud service account, search for flush cache button or area and do this.
Conclusion
First identify the type of cache you are dealing with and then flush it. By understanding the type of cache you can understand why your client does not see the changes and if it worth panicking or just flushing the cache.