Same timestamp parameter value for the document URL is being shown for multiple requests

Issue

• Multiple requests show the same timestamp value ('t') in the document URL.

Environment

• Liferay DXP 7.1+

Resolution

• The t parameter in the URL represents a timestamp, the t parameter in Liferay URLs serves as a caching bypass mechanism. Its primary purpose is to ensure that when content changes, browsers or intermediaries fetch the latest version instead of relying on a cached copy.

• How Does It Work?
  

  • The t parameter's value corresponds to the time of the content change (e.g., a new version of web content, document updates, etc.).

  • For example:

    • /document?file=abc&t=12 and /document?file=abc&t=35 are treated as different URLs.

    • If the version  t=12 was cached, accessing the URL with t=35 result in a cache miss and trigger a fresh fetch from the source.

  • The parameter is automatically updated by Liferay when content is modified.

• Frequency of Change

  • The t parameter changes only when the associated content is modified or updated.

  • It does not operate on a timer or reset periodically. The value is tied strictly to the timestamp of the last content change.

• Uniqueness Across Users and Devices

  • The t parameter is not unique to specific users or devices.

  • Its value is based solely on the file or content's modification time and serves as a caching strategy rather than a user-specific identifier.

• Duplicate Timestamps

  • Multiple pages or assets can share the same timestamp, especially if they are updated simultaneously or originate from the same module (e.g., themes or JavaScript files built together).

  • This does not affect functionality, as each file's uniqueness is determined by its name and path in addition to the t parameter.