Back
Apr 3, 2011

Sprite cache invalidation

When we use css-sprites it's important to make browser cache them for longest period possible. On other hand, we need to refresh them when they are updated. This is especially visible when all icons are stored in single sprite. When it's outdated - entire site becomes ugly.

To solve this task I've implemented this small script that adds file's hash to url:

background-image: url(images/icons.png);
background-image: url(images/icons.png?a3844c660);
#!/usr/bin/python

import os.path
import re
import hashlib


def file_hash(filename, block_size=2**20):
    md5 = hashlib.md5()
    with open(filename, 'rb') as f:
        for data in iter(lambda: f.read(block_size), ''):
            md5.update(data)
    return md5.hexdigest()


def find_replace(match, basedir):
    match = match.replace("'", '')
    if '?' in match or '#' in match or match.startswith('http://'):
        print 'skipping: ', match
        return None

    filename = os.path.join(basedir, match)
    return '%s?%s' % (match, file_hash(filename)[:10])


def insert_hash(filename, debug=False):
    basedir = os.path.dirname(filename)
    css = open(filename).read()
    matches = re.findall(r"url\((.*?)\)", css)
    replacements = dict([
        (match, find_replace(match, basedir))
        for match in matches
    ])

    if debug:
        for key, value in replacements.iteritems():
            print key, '    =>    ', value
    else:
        for match, repl in replacements.iteritems():
            if repl:
                css = css.replace(match, repl)

        out = open(filename, 'w')
        out.write(css)
        out.close()


if __name__ == '__main__':
    from optparse import OptionParser
    usage = 'usage: %prog filename.css'

    parser = OptionParser(usage=usage)
    parser.add_option("", "--debug", action="store_true", dest="debug", default=False,
                      help="When set, just output list of substitutions.")

    (options, args) = parser.parse_args()

    if len(args) < 1:
        print 'You must provide file name.'

    insert_hash(os.path.realpath(args[0]), options.debug)

Update

This is pretty old article. Now it's better to use something integrated to your build process - grunt, webassets, etc.

Subscribe for the news and updates

More thoughts
Dec 22, 2024Technology
Python and the Point Rush in DeFi

This article demonstrates how to use Python to automate yield calculations in decentralized finance (DeFi), focusing on the Renzo and Pendle platforms. It guides readers through estimating potential rewards based on factors like token prices, liquidity, and reward distribution rules, emphasizing the importance of regular data updates and informed decision-making in DeFi investments.

Dec 13, 2022Technology
How to create a timelapse video from frames

We’ll tell you how to create a video timelapse from a sequence of snapshots and provide customers with video playlists optimized for browser playback.

Apr 27, 2022TechnologyBusiness
How to Choose the Best Javascript Framework: Comparison of the Top Javascript Frameworks

In our article, you will find the best JavaScript framework comparison so that you know for sure how to choose the right one for your project.

Feb 28, 2017Technology
How to write an API in Django

There is such a term as Remote Procedure Call (RPC). In other words, by using this technology, programs can call functions on remote computers. There are many ways to implement RPC.

Jan 9, 2017Technology
How to Use GraphQL with Django

GraphQL is a very powerful library, which is not difficult to understand. GraphQL will help to write simple and clear REST API to suit every taste and meet any requirements.

Oct 11, 2010Technology
Char search in Emacs as in Vim

In VIM there is a command for char search: f. After first use it can be repeated with ;. I like to navigate in line with it. You see that you need to go to bracket in a middle of a line - you press f( and one-two ; and you are there. There's no such command in Emacs, so I had to write my own. I've managed even to implement repetition with ;.