What is database caching and how does it improve performance?

Database caching involves storing frequently accessed data in a faster storage layer (e.g.,

memory) so that future requests for the same data can be served more quickly, reducing the

need to query the database repeatedly.

• How it improves performance:
• Reduces database load: Instead of querying the database every time data is

requested, the cache can provide instant access to commonly requested

data.

• Improves response time: Caching data in-memory (using technologies like

Redis or Memcached) makes it accessible in nanoseconds, compared to the

millisecond access time of traditional disk-based databases.

• Reduces latency: Caching significantly reduces the time taken to fetch data,

improving the overall user experience.

Example: Frequently accessed user profiles in a web application can be cached using

Redis, so that subsequent requests don't have to query the database again.