Re: Must-revalidate [was Re: Warning: header, need origin]

> The difference between "max-age=0" and "must-revalidate" for caches
> that play by the transparency rules is that, if revalidation fails
> because of network failure:
> 
> - with "max-age=0", you return a stale 200 (OK) response with a
>   warning header attached
> 
> - with "must-revalidate", you return a 5xx error response
> 
> So must-revalidate is more than just "really really max-age=0".
> 
> Speaking in road-sign metaphors, "max-age=0" means "speed limit 50
> Km/h", while "must-revalidate" means "WARNING: sharp turn: safe
> maximal speed 50 Km/h".  If you ignore the first, you only sin against
> community standards.  If you ignore the second, you end up upside down
> besides the road.

That is a better description and justification -- it should be included
in the specification.  I can live with must-revalidate if it implies
derailment.

.....Roy

Received on Thursday, 11 April 1996 22:21:51 UTC