Inventors:
David Gallant - Thornton CO, US
Rex Vedder - Boulder CO, US
International Classification:
G06F 7/00
Abstract:
A method for improving performance through selective file caching is disclosed. The caching policy of a client's browser cache is set to cache all files. Web page files that reference a dynamic file include JavaScript code that mangles the dynamic filename, such that a reference by the web page file to the dynamic file is unique each time a browser, processes the web page file. In one embodiment, the filename is mangled by appending to it a known string followed by a 12-digit timestamp. Consequently, the mangled filename misses in the cache, forcing the browser to fetch the dynamic file from the web server. The web server recognizes the filename is in the mangled format, regenerates the original filename, and returns the file to the client. Static filenames are not mangled; hence, they are satisfied from the browser cache. The method also works to selectively defeat network caching.