Is it possible to clear the ASP.NET application Cache without resetting the AppDomain?

Question

I would like to reset/clear an item in the Cache, but without resetting the application or writing a specialized page just for this. ie, a non-programmatic solution. Is this possible?

Answer 1

Short answer: No.

ASP.NET Cache doesn't have a administration interface to manage it. You'll need to recycle your application pool, or to to create a simple page to do Delete Items from the Cache in ASP.NET.

EDIT: Inspired on Mick answer, you could to have a page like this (RemoveCache.aspx):

<%@ Page Language="C#" %>
<script runat="server">

    void Page_Load(object sender, EventArgs e)
    {
        if (String.IsNullOrEmpty(Request.QueryString["name"]))
        {
            foreach (DictionaryEntry item in Cache)
            {
                Cache.Remove(item.Key.ToString());
                Response.Write(item.Key.ToString() + " removed<br />");
            }
        }
        else
        {
            Cache.Remove(Request.QueryString["name"]);
        }
    }

</script>

If you call RemoveCache.aspx all your cache will be removed; running RemoveCache.aspx?name=Products, just Products cache entry will be removed.

Answer 2

Only have VB.NET code to hand, but why not loop through the cache removing items?

For Each de As DictionaryEntry In HttpContext.Current.Cache

HttpContext.Current.Cache.Remove(DirectCast(de.Key, String))

Next

Regards