System and method for server control of client cache

摘要

System and method for controlling the contents of a browser cache. A data stream from a host server to a client browser includes a clear cache tag. Responsive to the clear cache tag, the browser clears its cache. The data stream may also include a start cache tag, and one or more data files which are cached by the client browser. Responsive to the clear cache tag, the browser cache is cleared of data files received in the data stream between the start cache tag and the clear cache tag, or alternatively of all data files in cache associated with a cache identifier received in the start cache and clear cache tags. Either the client local file system or a field in a cache table is used to differentiate between successive start cache tags.