5 Types of caches to clear when reviewing website changes

Pro tip: Keep all caching disabled during website development to save time and effort. This way, you can see the changes immediately without having to clear multiple caches. Once the site is ready for production, re-enable caching but test all pages in incognito mode to ensure everything works as expected.

When reviewing changes to content, scripts, or CSS on a website, it's essential to clear these 5 types of caches first to ensure you see the most up-to-date version of the site and avoid common pitfalls:

Browser cache (desktop, tablet, mobile):
- Clear your browser cache or use a private/incognito tab to view the website without any cached data interfering.
- This bypasses the cache and allows you to see the most recent version of your site.
- To clear cache for a single page:
  - Hard reload: Press CTRL + F5 on Windows or CMD + SHIFT + R on Mac while viewing the page. This forces the browser to fetch the latest version from the server. You may need to do this a few times.
- To clear cache for the entire site:
  - Browser settings: Go to your browser's settings under the "Privacy" or "History" section and find the option to clear cached data. You can choose to clear all cached data or specify data related to your WordPress site. Restart your browser after clearing the cache to ensure the changes take effect.
Plugin cache (WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache, WP-Optimize, Autoptimize, etc.):
- If you're using any caching plugins on your website, clear or purge the cache in the plugin settings.
- This ensures the latest changes are visible and not overridden by outdated cached data.
- To clear:
  - Access WordPress admin: Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
  - Navigate to plugin settings: Find the settings page for your caching plugin, typically under "Settings" or directly on the admin sidebar.
  - Clear cache: Look for a "Purge Cache," "Clear Cache," or "Empty All Caches" option. The exact terminology and location can vary, so consult the plugin's documentation if needed.
Server-side cache (Plesk, cPanel, Webmin):
- Some web hosting control panels have built-in caching mechanisms.
- Check your hosting provider's knowledge base or contact their support team for instructions on how to clear the server-side cache.
- To clear:
  - Access hosting account: Log into your web hosting control panel.
  - Find caching options: Search for "Caching," "Performance," or similar sections. This might be under "Advanced" or "Software."
  - Purge cache: Use the "Purge Cache" or "Clear Cache" feature provided by your host to clear the server cache. The steps can differ depending on the host, so refer to their support or documentation for guidance.
CDN cache (Cloudflare, AWS CloudFront, MaxCDN):
- If you're using a Content Delivery Network (CDN), keep in mind that changes may take up to 30 minutes to propagate across the CDN's servers.
- Consult your CDN provider's documentation for specific instructions on purging the cache to ensure visitors see the latest version of your site.
Managed hosting cache (WPEngine, SiteGround, Hetzner):
- Managed hosting providers often have their own caching systems in place.
- Refer to the hosting provider's knowledge base or reach out to their support team for guidance on clearing the cache and ensuring your changes are reflected.

Additional considerations:

Developer mode: Some caching solutions offer a "Developer Mode" that temporarily bypasses caching, allowing you to see changes in real time.
Incognito/Private mode: Use these browser modes to view your site without the influence of browser caching, providing a fresh perspective on recent changes.

Remember, clearing caches is crucial for viewing the most recent version of your website and ensuring that any changes you've made are properly reflected for your visitors.

By following this 5-step checklist and considering the additional tips, you'll avoid common caching issues and ensure a smooth website update process.