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What's cache, and why should you clear it?

Author Kamil Zawadzki Managing Partner
Cache memory is a key element of the computer system that significantly speeds up access to frequently used data.

What is Cache Memory?

Cache memory, also known as a cache, is a temporary storage area on a computer’s hard drive that acts as a hardware or software component to store data used by web browsers, applications, and the operating system. Cache memory improves communication between the processor and RAM, significantly increasing the computer’s performance. This way, access to this data is faster, enhancing the computer's overall efficiency.

How Does Cache Memory Work?

When a user first visits a website, data such as text, images, and videos are loaded from the server. When a cache client, such as a web browser or CPU, first visits a website, data such as text, images, and videos are loaded from the server. The browser’s cache stores these data, including images, videos, scripts, styles, text, and cookies, to speed up the loading of web pages.


If the data is found in the cache during subsequent visits, it results in a cache hit, significantly speeding up the site and reducing internet bandwidth usage. The browser saves these data in the cache. If the data is not found in the cache, it results in a cache miss, requiring the browser to load the data from the server again. Cache memory works similarly to the processor cache, which stores frequently used data and instructions from RAM.


During subsequent visits to the same website, the browser only loads new elements, while the rest is retrieved from the cache, significantly speeding up the site and reducing internet bandwidth usage. It’s also important to regularly clear the files saved in the browser’s cache to ensure optimal browser performance and avoid issues displaying updated content.

Types of Cache Memory

CPU Cache


The processor cache is a specialized memory module located in the processor core. It is responsible for storing frequently used data and instructions, known as cached data.


The speed hierarchy of memory is often represented by a pyramid analogy. The processor cache stands out with the highest speed and low latency compared to other types of memory, such as RAM and hard drives. There are three levels of processor cache, differing in read and write speeds and available space.


Browser Cache


Stores copies of web pages you visit, creating a cached version to speed up future access.


Disk Cache


Stores frequently used data on the hard drive.


Local Cache


A mechanism in the browser that saves data on the computer's hard drive.


Shared or Proxy Cache


This is used when several computers connected to a network use the same web pages through a local server, often facilitated by proxy servers.


Clearing Cache


Clearing the cache is important for both performance and security. Excess data in the cache can slow down the operation of the computer and applications and pose a potential threat, as cybercriminals can gain access to the stored data. The cache may contain outdated or irrelevant requested data.


Cybercriminals can have easier access to your data if you don't clean your cache for several reasons.

1. Stored Sensitive Information




2. Exploitable Cached Files




3. Long-Term Data Accumulation




4. Local Attacks and Malware




5. Third-Party Vulnerabilities




👉Regularly cleaning your cache helps protect your data from unauthorized access by removing stored sensitive information, reducing the risk of exploitable cached files, limiting long-term data accumulation, preventing local attacks and malware, and mitigating third-party vulnerabilities.


❗️By maintaining good cache hygiene, you can enhance your overall online security and privacy.❗️

How to Clear Cache

In Web Browsers:


To improve device performance, it is important to clear the cache in various web browsers regularly.



On Mobile Devices:



Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Cache Memory

Advantages:



Disadvantages:



Summary

Cache memory is a key element of the computer system that significantly speeds up access to frequently used data. To ensure its effective operation, it is important to regularly clear the cache, allowing the use of the latest data and maintaining high computer performance.


Understanding different caching strategies, such as write-through cache, can help optimize system performance and ensure data integrity.

Kamil Zawadzki
Managing Partner
A dynamic leader with a strong technical background in software development. He advocates for SOLID architecture and KISS solutions, always aligning his approach with business needs.
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