Fill in the blank: ___ happens when the server tells a web browser to keep the files it downloads, so it doesn’t have to download them again in the future.
- Browser caching
- General caching
- Server-side caching
- Client-side caching
Explanation: The correct answer is Client-side caching. Client-side caching occurs when the server instructs a web browser to store (cache) the files it downloads locally on the user’s device. This caching mechanism enables the browser to retain copies of frequently accessed files, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and image files, so that they can be retrieved quickly without needing to be downloaded again from the server in subsequent visits or page loads. By utilizing client-side caching, websites can significantly improve loading speeds and reduce server load by minimizing the amount of data that needs to be transferred over the network. Additionally, client-side caching enhances the user experience by providing faster page load times and smoother navigation, ultimately leading to higher user satisfaction and engagement. Overall, client-side caching is a crucial optimization technique that plays a key role in improving website performance and responsiveness.