Which of the following correctly describes caching in web browsers?

Caching in web browsers plays a crucial role in improving user experience by storing copies of frequently accessed files such as images, stylesheets, and scripts. When a web page is visited for the first time, the browser downloads these files and saves them in a local cache. Subsequent visits to the same page can load these files from the cache rather than retrieving them from the server again, significantly reducing load times. This is especially beneficial for pages that contain static content, allowing for a smoother and quicker user experience.

Other options mentioned do not accurately reflect what caching does. While security measures and data compression are important aspects of web performance, they are not the primary functions of caching in browsers. Additionally, caching does not limit itself to just text files; it encompasses various types of files to enhance loading efficiency.