A cache and an origin trading a validator string to decide whether a stored response is still fresh.

Validators decide whether a cached copy is still the answer

Conditionals are the cache’s second clock; a 304 means the stored copy is still the answer.

June 30, 2026 · 3 min · XB Field Notes
A cache and origin exchanging validators beneath a freshness clock.

Cache headers are a contract with two clocks

Separate browser freshness from origin validation, then verify the response headers that implement both.

June 25, 2026 · 3 min · XB Field Notes