Prevent RequireJS from Caching Required Scripts

Configuring RequireJS for Effective Cache Busting

Using urlArgs for Cache Busting

Your flexible friend urlArgs comes to the rescue when you want to prevent scripts from being cached. Append a dynamic value to the URL of your scripts to disrupt caching, such as a timestamp or a version number:

require.config({
  urlArgs: "version=1024" // This is its final form... or is it?
});
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Leveraging Versioning for Controlled Cache Busting

Production environments require special treatment; use a version number or a build number in your urlArgs to neatly avoid excessive cache busting:

require.config({
  urlArgs: "version=3.14" // Because Pi never changes, does it?
});
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Workaround for Chrome Developer Tools Quirk

In a development space, steer clear of urlArgs with timestamps due to the likely confusion with Chrome Developer Tools. For better control over caching, resort to server-side cache controls or a dev server that abides by HTTP 304 responses:

// No urlArgs in sight. It's a Chrome thing.
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Organizing Production Asset Directories

When maintaining a production environment, think about structuring your resources in version-based directories. This approach helps you prevent caching issues, and negates the need for urlArgs altogether:

require.config({
  baseUrl: "/assets/v3.14/js/" // Guided by the immutable Pi.
});
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Streamlining

Incorporating Build Numbers

Perk up your build process by incorporating dynamic versioning. Have your build system or server inject build numbers into your RequireJS config, facilitating streamlined updates:

require.config({
  // Our trusty build system replaces @@version@@ with current version
  urlArgs: "version=@@version@@" // Who needs a magic 8-ball when you have this?
});
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Getting Clever with Caching

Server-side Cache Management

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It's HTTP headers! Enlist these unsung heroes to manage caching on the server-side efficiently. Add the right Cache-Control or ETag values, and you're golden.

HTTP Caching to the Rescue

Move with the flow and rely on the HTTP caching capabilities. Understand how to control HTTP caching headers to weave your magic. Here is where you can reap the benefits of browser caching:

// Nothing significant here, move along. It's all about those fancy HTTP headers. 😉
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Efficient Asset Compression

Remember: time saved is equal to energy gained. And with gzip compression, you can have both while also shortening the application's load times:

// Just imagine, gzip-powered assets zooming through cyber space. Vroom vroom!
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