The cache setting can be controlled via three sets of META tags, "Expires", "Pragma" and "Cache-Control". Each of these META Tags will perform the same net effect and cause the web page to not be cached. The difference between each of them lies in the differences between how browsers interpret the results.

The "Expires" tag is an all browser tag which we recommend the most because it functions in all browsers and explicitly indicates to browsers that the page is to expire immediately and should therefore be reloaded now. In addition, webmasters have explicit control of defining exactly when a page will expire, whether it be now, in a few minutes or in a few months, this META Tag explicitly allows a set date for expiration. (Learn more about the Expires META Tag).

 The "Pragma" tag only functions in Netscape browsers and for this reason we do not recommend its use since you essentially limit the ability to prevent caching to only Netscape users. The Pragma tag was specifically designed to interact with proxy servers that cache web sites into their local databases. It's only option is to set the cache off if the tag is found, otherwise (if it is not found) it assumes that proxy caching is acceptable.

 The "Cache-Control" tag specifies desired behaviour from a caching system and is understood by both clients and web servers. In order to prevent caching, the Cache-Control option should be set to "no-cache". Our preference however still lies with the "Expires" tag simply because webmasters have more control and options of defining when a document will cease to be valid.
 

These cache prevention techniques override browsers' cache settings which also means that each request will need to be re-issued which will cause an increase in bandwidth requirements. If your concerned about keeping bandwidth to a minimum, consider not using the techniques we cover on this page.