One of the features available on Chrome 86 for Android is called Back Forward Cache (BFCache). As the name suggests, the feature relates to back and forth when browsing websites.
With BFCache, Google Chrome will allow faster navigation when the user jumps from page to page keeping the previous page alive in the background. That way when the user comes back to the same page it will load almost instantly.
The feature will come in handy when a user accidentally clicks on a link and wants to go back to the previous page. For reference, if you have an iOS device, you can drag any of the edges of the Safari browser, and the next or previous web page will appear without loading.
The front-back cache feature is nothing new, and various browsers already have it. In addition to Safari, the BFCache feature is also available on Firefox, which means Chrome is the only one left behind.
Google says its behavior and effects are not well documented. The company will also work with Safari and Firefox "to align our implementation and adjust specifications accordingly."
The search giant also claims that implementing the feature is easier said than done, due to Chrome's multi-process architecture. Google added that users are more likely to open previous pages in the same tab on Android, while PC usage is more tab-based. Therefore, the feature will arrive on Android first, as smartphone users will benefit more from BFCache.
Right now there is "a significant cost to launch on the desktop," and these issues will be addressed later. If you want, you can try the front back cover feature right now. It's available as an experimental indicator on Chrome for Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS.
via MSPowerUser