Browser cache stores copies of website files so pages can load faster on later visits. It is useful for performance, but it can also make a recent change appear to be missing during development or content review.
What the browser stores
Images, stylesheets, scripts and other resources may be reused instead of downloaded again. The server can define how long each file remains fresh and when the browser should check for a new version.
Why outdated content appears
If a file changes without its URL or cache instructions changing, the browser may continue using the stored copy. A content delivery network or service worker can introduce additional caching layers.
How to test safely
Start with a normal reload, then try a private window or a hard refresh. Developer tools can disable cache temporarily while inspecting a page. Clear the entire browser cache only when a narrower approach does not resolve the issue.
In production, use versioned asset names and deliberate cache policies. Long caching is valuable for immutable files, while frequently updated HTML should be revalidated appropriately.
