A cache, in computer science, is a temporary storage area where frequently accessed data can be stored for rapid access. The main goal of a cache is to reduce the number of times an external data source (such as a database, API, or file system) must be accessed by keeping a copy of the data in a location that is faster to access.
Types of caches, such as:
Memory cache: This type of cache stores data in the computer’s RAM, allowing fast access.
Disk cache: This type of cache stores data on a hard drive, slower than RAM but faster than accessing the original data source.
Browser cache: This type of cache stores data on the client side in a web browser. It stores copies of web pages, images, and other resources so that when a user revisits the same page, the browser can load the cached version instead of requesting the page from the server.
Caching can significantly improve the performance of a system by reducing the time required to access data and the load on external data sources. However, it’s essential to consider the trade-offs between the benefits of caching and the potential downsides, such as additional complexity, the need for invalidation, and the risk of stale data.
Caching is widely used in web development, databases, operating systems, and many other types of software. It’s a technique used to improve the performance and scalability of applications.
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