← Back to headers
HTTP Header
Cache-Control
CachingDefines caching rules for browsers, CDNs, and other intermediaries.
HTTP header reference, syntax, examples, and developer usage.
What is the Cache-Control header?
The Cache-Control HTTP header is used to transmit metadata between a client and server as part of HTTP requests or responses.
HTTP headers define how content should be interpreted, cached, authenticated, secured, or processed by browsers and APIs.
Direction
This header may appear in both HTTP requests and responses.
Syntax
Cache-Control: directive
Example
Cache-Control: public, max-age=3600
Common use cases
- Browser caching
- CDN edge caching
- Preventing stale responses
Common mistakes
- Using the header in the wrong request or response context
- Sending invalid header values
- Incorrect header syntax
- Assuming the header automatically changes server behaviour