Invalidating and Updating Content
As CloudFront caches content at its edge locations, it is essential to ensure that the cached content remains up-to-date. When updating content on the origin, the cached version at edge locations may be outdated. To address this, CloudFront provides an invalidation feature that allows users to remove specific objects from edge locations before the object's cache duration expires. It makes sure that the next time a user requests the content, CloudFront fetches the updated version from the origin. However, it is essential to note that using invalidations may incur additional costs.
Guide on Invalidating and Updating Content on AWS CloudFront
What it is:
Invalidating in AWS CloudFront refers to the process of removing a file in CloudFront edge locations before the expiration of its set TTL (Time to Live). AWS CloudFront is an Amazon content delivery network that provides secure, scalable, and fast delivery of web content. Updating content in CloudFront involves refreshing the content cached in edge locations.
Why it is Important:
Invalidating and updating content is vital in managing AWS CloudFront effectively. It allows for quick updates of web content and ensures that viewers access the most recent data. This feature becomes essential for websites that require real-time updates.
How it Works:
Invalidation can be done using the AWS Management Console, SDKs, or AWS CLI (Command Line Interface). When an invalidation request is made, CloudFront deletes the specified file from all edge locations. When viewers request an invalidated file, CloudFront fetches it from the origin immediately.
For updating, when the TTL expires or an invalidation operation is made, CloudFront automatically checks the origin server and fetches an updated version of the file if there are changes.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Invalidating and Updating Content:
1. Understand the basic concept and importance of invalidating and updating content.
2. AWS charges for each file listed in an invalidation request. Key idea is to use wildcards in paths, or set a lower TTL to manage costs.
3. Be aware of the process - from the creation of an invalidation request, then the deletion of those files, to fetching new content once a viewer sends a request.
4. Comprehend how TTL settings impact the freshness of content. Lower TTL values ensure more updated content but increase costs. Higher TTL values decrease cost but can lead to outdated content if updates in the origin server happen before TTL expiration.
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