How do I clear cache in Safari now?

Oh I found it, sorry

This function does not delete the Safari cache.db file, which contains details on all pages the user has visited. The only way to delete it is to do so manually in the Finder. Chrome and Firefox both delete their cache.db file when the user clears their browser data. Only Safari fails to do this.

This is an appaling privacy failure.

Really ? Where in the finder exactly ?

The Safari cache.db file is located in <username>/Library/Caches/com.apple.Safari/

By default, Mountain Lion hides your home directory's Library folder (username/Library). To access it from Finder, you must open the "Go" menu and hold down the Option key to reveal the Library in the menu's drop down list. You can then click on Library in the menu, which will open it in a Finder window.

Once there, open the Caches folder and then the com.apple.Safari folder.

Should I delete the cache.db ? I will test again the option avaliable and see after if the size of the file has decreased. Now is 1,7 MB

I tested this and confirmed that Safari's cache.db file is neither removed nor emptied when the user uses the "reset Safari" function, nor when they select the "empty caches" function in the Develop menu which is hidden by default. Additionally, I opened Safari's Preferences panel, selected the Privacy tab and clicked on the "Remove All Website Data" button. Again, this had no effect on the cache.db file.

The Safari cache.db file is in SQLite format. If you don't have an appplication that can read SQLite files, you can still open it up in TextEdit and confirm that it in fact contains traces of the URLs you have visited.

I performed the same test with Firefox and Chrome and in both those cases, their respective cache.db files were deleted when I used those browsers' "clean history" functions.

At this point I have no idea what steps are truly necessary to remove all Safari web browsing history. If this file remains even after selecting all those Safari privacy functions, god knows where else Safari is storing browsing data without providing users a way to delete of delete it.

Which version you use ?

I use Version 6.0.2 (8536.26.17)

But you move to the trash that file cache.db?

I prefer not mess with that.

I have the same version.

I was also concerned about breaking something if I deleted the file. So to test, I first copied the file to my desktop (just in case) and then deleted it from the com.apple.Safari folder. Restarted Safari and it simply re-created the file on its own (with previous browsing data gone of course.)

I believe the purpose of cache files is to save recent data locally in order to imporove an application's performance. I sense that it is generally harmless to remove these files manually though I don't have ny reference to back that up.

The main thing you lose is the same as when using their privacy functions: you might lose passswords and preferences for your differrent websites. But of course, you should already know this.

I think you have somethig wrong in your system.

I just gone to the file again and now it has 1,5MB and I did not yet empty cache

I just browsed several websites and confirmed my Safari cache.db file is 8.8MB in size. I then cleared browsing data using the three methods I previously mentioned (reset Safari, empty caches, and remove all website data.) I closed my browser and re-checked the cache.db file. It's still 8.8MB.

I don't know why your cache.db file seems to have gotten smaller without you emptying the cache manually, but I don't see that you've proven anything either.

The question at hand is whether Safari removes all traces of web browsing history at the user's request. I tested this as follows:

Step 1: I read the cache.db file and confirmed it contained URLs that were visited

Step 2: I engaged every known Safari function intended to clear browsing data

Step 3: I re-checked the cache.db file and confimed that it was neither emptied nor deleted and that it still contains visited URLs.

You can follow these same steps without the perceived risk of deleting any system files (aka, the cache.db file.)

Yes, you are right. I just empty cache and the size of the file is the same.

Maybe it has some hidden procedure that empty the cache in other way, but you still need to use the option.

Now my file has 13,9 MB and I believe will go again to a smaller size, when Safari understands it needs.

If not why I had only 1,7 MB. Yesterday I used Safari a lot

It's quite possible (even likely) that Safari manages the cache as needed, and that this may reduce the size of the file sometimes.

Are you concerned about the cache size specifically?

I'm concerned about privacy and the ability to clear my browsing data when desired. Firefox doesn't seem to have a problem with this. Neither does Chrome.

Good sleuthing there, free --

So, what happens if you go to Users > Library > Caches > Safari, and take that Safari file to the trash & restart Safari. I did a "get info" on mine and it's 233.2 MB. Took that file to the trash, restarted Safari.

BRB

Cache is now 4 MB, the size of my CNN Home Page.

Then I delete History, and I think I'm pretty good as far as privacy goes. What do you think?

Well, yes and no. For starters, I don't want to have to manually delete a file that's burried several layers deep in a hidden folder when this function should be accessible with a single click from a Safari menu.

Additionally, this whole mess raises the question of where else Safari may be storing web data that is not deleted when requested by the user. I am not convinced that Apple takes this issue seriously.

This is like an expensive home security system that requires the resident to go through several door locks while leaving an open window for burglars.

The core issue here is that users want a simple and reliable method for erasing their web browsing data when desired and Apple has failed to deliver.

Anyone who agrees should file a report with Apple at:

http://www.apple.com/feedback/safari.html

I agree, but I was glad to find out how to get rid of it finally. I have made my thoughts on this known, and will contiue to.