Software Engineering › Key terms › Y12 Programming for the Web › Caching
Caching
Term Y12 Programming for the Web
Definition
Storing copies of data or files locally or on a server so they do not have to be fetched again.
Example: Cache commonly requested weather data.
Found in: 2025 HSC marking guidelines, sample exam and familiarisation guidelines, school notes.
Where it is used in the test
Syllabus area: Y12 Programming for the Web.
Question types it can appear in
- Short answer: Define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
- Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.
- Fill in the blanks: Choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Where it has appeared in the paper
Programming for the Web (Part A, C). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.
Related past questions
- 2025 HSC Q16b (3 marks): Load times Programming for the Web (Part A) · 3 marks
- Familiarisation Q10 (4 marks): Load time Programming for the Web (Part C) · 4 marks
These are the questions the flashcard set links to this term. Open each one and compare your answer with its marking criteria.
Study links
- Flashcard: Caching in Programming for the Web (Year 12) · study that set
- Memorise: Web development system: front end, back end, databases
How to use it in an answer
A model sentence
“Storing copies of data or files locally or on a server so they do not have to be fetched again.” Then apply it: Cache commonly requested weather data.
In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.
Command words used with it
Technique for the question types
- Short answer: One clear point per mark, use the stimulus and course terms, and answer the command word.
- Multiple choice: Read all four options, rule out wrong ones, pick one; no penalty for guessing so never leave blank.
- Fill in the blanks: Choose the right word from a list; use exact syllabus terms.
What the marking guidelines and feedback say
Marker feedback: give ways to MINIMISE load times, not ways to investigate load times.
Answers could include: if image-gallery.js loads slowly, add the 'async' attribute to the tag so it loads in parallel with the rest of the page.
Worked answers from the marking guidelines
2025 HSC Q16b (3 marks): Load times (3 marks): criteria and sample answer
Criteria
3: Outlines TWO ways, other than a PWA, to minimise load time. 2: Outlines ONE way, OR identifies TWO ways. 1: Some relevant information.
Sample answer
One way would be to provide the option to select lower resolution images or text only display. Another way would be to utilise caching as this would provide high speed access to commonly requested weather data.
Familiarisation Q10 (4 marks): Load time (4 marks): criteria and sample answer
Criteria
4: Explains how the load time of the web page can be improved. 3: Outlines how some issues affecting load time can be resolved. 2: Identifies issues affecting load time OR outlines how to resolve ONE. 1: Some relevant information.
Sample answer
The images can be resized to 640 x 480 beforehand so that the webpage does not need to load the large 4000 x 3000 images. The multiple CSS style sheets could be converted into a single .css file, reducing the number of HTTP requests the browser needs to send. If the "image-gallery.js" JavaScript file at the top of the source code loads slowly, it can be moved to the bottom just above