How to Implement CSS Versioning to Address Cache Issues in JSF 2 with h:outputStylesheet

How can I implement CSS versioning (to solve cache issues) using JSF 2 h:outputStylesheet?

<h:outputStylesheet name="styles.css?v=1.0" />

Implementing CSS versioning in JSF 2 using the h:outputStylesheet tag helps ensure that the latest styles are loaded by users rather than cached versions. This technique is particularly useful in maintaining consistent visual representation after CSS updates.

<h:outputStylesheet name="styles.css?v=version_number" />
// Replace 'version_number' with a variable or expression that changes with each release.

Causes

• Browsers cache CSS files to optimize loading times, which can result in outdated styles being applied when changes are made.
• Users might not see the latest styles without clearing their browser cache after an update.

Solutions

• Add a version number as a query parameter to the h:outputStylesheet tag. This forces the browser to request a fresh copy whenever the version number changes, effectively busting the cache.
• Use a timestamp or a build number in the version string to ensure uniqueness with each deployment.

Mistake: Not changing the version number in the link when CSS files are updated.

Solution: Ensure that every time you modify the CSS file, you also update the version number to reflect that change.

Mistake: Using the same version number indefinitely, leading to persistent caching issues.

Solution: Adopt a strategy for incrementing the version number with each deployment or CSS modification.