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Developer Dictionary

Cache

Definition

A hardware or software component that stores data so that future requests for that data can be served faster.

Deep Dive

A cache is a hardware or software component that stores copies of data so that future requests for that data can be served faster than retrieving it from its primary source. The principle behind caching is that recently or frequently accessed data is likely to be requested again soon. By storing this data closer to where it's needed, caches reduce access latency, improve performance, and decrease the load on the original data source.

Examples & Use Cases

  • 1A web browser storing images and scripts from frequently visited websites
  • 2A CPU's L1/L2 cache holding recently accessed instructions for faster processing
  • 3A Content Delivery Network (CDN) storing popular web pages and media files closer to users

Related Terms

MemoryLatencyCDN

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