locationreload

Location.reload is a method of the Window Location interface in web browsers that reloads the current document. It can be invoked as window.location.reload(), with an optional boolean argument named forcedReload that affects how the reload is performed.

If forcedReload is true, the request bypasses the browser cache and fetches the page from the origin server; if false or omitted, the browser may serve the response from its cache. The exact outcome can depend on browser caching policies and server directives.

Behavior: The call initiates a navigation to the same URL, triggering the page lifecycle events such as beforeunload, unload, and load. Any unsaved user input or application state may be lost. The timing and cache behavior can vary by browser, network conditions, and whether service workers or cache APIs are involved.

Cross-origin note: Location.reload reloads the current URL on the same origin and does not navigate to a different site. If the current page is loaded via a restricted context, policy and security settings still apply to the reload operation.

Alternatives and considerations: To refresh a page without altering history, you can use location.reload() or location.href = location.href. To replace the current page in the session history and avoid adding a new entry, use location.replace(location.href). Developers should consider user experience, data loss risk, and caching implications when using reload in web applications.