Specify a Vary: Accept-Encoding Header
This plugin fixes a "Vary: Accept-Encoding Header" message and boosts website performance.
The facts
- Rating
- 4★ from 4
- Active installs
- 200+
- Price
- Free
- Last updated
- 13 Apr 2018
- Added
- Apr 2018
- Requires WP
- 3.0.1
- Tested up to
- WP 4.9.31
- Requires PHP
- 5.2
- Downloads
- 5,997
Our analysis
AI-assistedSpecify a Vary: Accept-Encoding Header is a WordPress plugin designed to enhance website performance by adding a specific HTTP header. It modifies the .htaccess file to include a 'Vary: Accept-Encoding' header, which helps caching mechanisms to function correctly by ensuring that cached responses are appropriate for the request type.
This plugin is suitable for users who want a straightforward solution to improve their site's performance without the complexity of larger performance plugins. It is particularly useful for those who manage their own server settings and want to ensure proper caching behaviour.
Best for: This plugin suits WordPress site owners looking for a simple performance enhancement tool.
What it does well
- ✓Adds a 'Vary: Accept-Encoding' header to boost performance
- ✓Modifies the .htaccess file for caching improvements
- ✓Lightweight solution without unnecessary features
- ✓Free to use from the WordPress.org directory
Where it falls short
- •Limited information on broader compatibility
- •Last updated in April 2018, which may affect support for newer WordPress versions
Verdict
Specify a Vary: Accept-Encoding Header offers a focused approach to improving website performance, but its age and limited updates may be a consideration for some users.
From the developer
lithiumsixteen's own description of Specify a Vary: Accept-Encoding Header, lightly tidied.
Many WordPress performance plugins are bloated and include features that you don’t need. This plugin does just one thing. It adds a “Vary: Accept-Encoding Header” to boost website performance.
When browsers make a request, they include HTTP headers for the server to decide what to send back. The Vary header describes what information identifies a request. Caches should only be used if the request matches the Vary information in the cache.
This plugin adds a rewrite rule to your WordPress directory’s .htaccess Apache file.
< IfModule mod_headers.c >
< FilesMatch \".(js|css|xml|gz|html)$\" >
Header append Vary: Accept-Encoding
< /FilesMatch >
< /IfModule >