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GLOSSARY

What is CDN?

DEFINITION

A CDN is a network of servers spread across many locations that keeps copies of your site's static files, such as images, scripts and stylesheets, and serves them from the location closest to each visitor. The result is faster loading, especially for people far from your main server, and less strain on that server.

A CDN does not replace hosting: your host still holds the original site. Cloudflare is a well-known example. Because a CDN stores copies, a change you publish can briefly not show until the cached copy is refreshed. Why it matters: It can make your site noticeably faster for distant visitors, and it explains why edits sometimes appear late until the cache is cleared.

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