Refresh image with a new one at the same URL

Coding the workaround: Cachebusters

Adding a timestamp or a random number to the URL is an effective way of dealing with the cache system. This method, informally known as cachebusting, tricks the browser into thinking that the URL is entirely different and forces it to fetch the file from the server.

// If it's new to me, it's new to the browser 
var imageSrc = "image.jpg?" + Math.random();
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Controlling Cache with Cache-Control

The Cache-Control header can be a powerful tool. Utilize its directives to manipulate how browsers handle caching:

• Use Cache-Control: max-age=0, must-revalidate to force browsers to validate the freshness of the cached image with the server.
• For more obstinate browsers like Safari and Chrome, Cache-Control: no-store would be very effective.

// Listen to me browser, this means war
Cache-Control: no-store.
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Compatibility testing

Cross-browser compatibility is a real issue. Not all browsers interpret Cache-control headers the same way. So, test across browsers to ensure your solution withstands the climate change across the tech-icebergs!

Balancing updates with efficiency

In the quest for balance between fresh images and efficiency, consider selectively using Cache-Control. Conditional image fetching via If-Modified-Since or If-None-Match headers can save bandwidth when the image rarely change.

How to harness Fetch API

Employ the Fetch API with cache: 'reload' to ensure requests bypass the browser cache completely:

/* Just like that snap which reloads everything */
function reloadImg(url) {
  fetch(url, { cache: 'reload' }).then(response => {
    document.getElementById('imageId').src = url;
  });
}
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Manipulation of DOM elements

If you need to remove and add images dynamically for a refresh, you can achieve this by manipulating the DOM. You can "swap" images without reloading the whole page:

let newImage = new Image();
newImage.onload = () => {
  // Like taking an old photo down and putting a new one up!
  let oldImage = document.getElementById('imageId');
  oldImage.parentNode.replaceChild(newImage, oldImage);
};
newImage.src = imageUrl + '?' + new Date().getTime();
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Scheduling updates

Some scenarios may necessitate periodic image refreshes. The setTimeout function can elegantly handle these:

/* 'cause everyone loves fresh memes every 30 seconds! */
setInterval(refreshImage, 30000);
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