Why doesn't the Webflow CMS update API automatically update images without having to manually refresh the page?

The Webflow CMS API is designed to fetch and update content, including images, programmatically. By default, the API does not automatically update images without manually refreshing the page because doing so can have potential performance and usability implications.

Automatic image updates through the API could increase server loads and put unnecessary strain on the network, especially when there are multiple users or frequent content updates. Additionally, automatically updating images could disrupt the user experience, especially if the website is displaying images dynamically and changing them without user interaction.

However, the Webflow CMS API provides the necessary tools for developers to update images programmatically when needed. You can use the API to fetch and update image URLs, upload new images, or modify existing images on a specific collection or item level.

To update images using the Webflow CMS API, you would need to write custom code that handles the image updating process. This would typically involve sending HTTP requests to the Webflow API endpoints and manipulating the image URLs or other relevant image data. By using this approach, you can build logic to control when and how the images are updated, ensuring that it aligns with your desired behavior and avoids unnecessary strain on the system.

Overall, while automatically updating images without manual page refreshes might seem convenient, the flexibility and control offered by the Webflow CMS API enable developers to implement custom image update functionality in a way that best suits their specific requirements.