Why Are My CSS Changes Not Showing Up in Nginx, Even After Restarting the Server?

Clearing the Cache of Nginx: Resolving CSS Caching Issues

As you navigate nginx as your front server, you encounter an issue where CSS modifications fail to reflect on your website despite restarting the server. This perplexing problem has prompted you to seek guidance from the vast online resources, but to no avail.

A common misconception is to delete the supposed cache directory at var/cache/nginx, only to discover its absence on your server. Instead, analyzing your nginx configuration reveals a more subtle issue.

The Role of Sendfile

Sendfile, an nginx configuration parameter, is known to cause caching problems within a virtual machine environment, particularly when using Virtualbox. This parameter, intended for optimizing data transfer between file descriptors, creates difficulties when used in virtualized scenarios.

To resolve this issue, disable the sendfile option in nginx.conf. By doing so, nginx will employ an alternative method for serving static files, eliminating the caching problem.

Technical Explanation

Sendfile essentially bridges the gap between two file descriptors, allowing data to be seamlessly transferred. However, conflicting behavior arises within virtual environments, such as Virtualbox. Deactivating sendfile compels nginx to utilize a different approach, ensuring prompt reflection of file modifications.

Additional Insights

This caching issue is closely tied to a documented bug in Virtualbox: https://www.virtualbox.org/ticket/12597. By addressing the sendfile parameter as outlined above, you can effectively resolve the discrepancy between your CSS modifications and the displayed content on your website.

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