What is a cache?
A cache, pronounced CASH is hardware or software that is used to store something, usually data, temporarily in a computing environment. It is a small amount of faster, more expensive memory used to improve the performance of recently or frequently accessed data. Cached data is stored temporarily in an accessible storage media local to the cache client and separate from the main storage. The cache is commonly used by the central processing unit (CPU), applications, web browsers, and operating systems. The cache is used because bulk or main storage can't keep up with the demands of clients. Cache decreases data access times, reduces latency, and improves input/output (I/O). Because almost all application workloads depend on I/O operations, the caching process improves application performance.
What does clearing a cache do?
Memory on a device is made available by clearing the cache. Files downloaded straight from the web are kept in memory by a browser cache. Clearing it can solve user issues, such as the following:
- Applications with full cache memory risk crashing or loading incorrectly.
- Old caches can contain outdated information and files, causing webpages to not load or load incorrectly. Clearing them can get rid of outdated information.
- Personal data kept in browser caches, such as passwords, is also there. The user can be protected by clearing them.
- Most browser caches can be cleared by going to settings.
A cache should be cleared periodically, but not daily. Clearing the cache too often is not a good use of resources because of these issues:
- The user loses the benefit of quick file access;
- Caches delete some files on their own and don't need this sort of maintenance; and
- The computer will cache new files and fill the space up again.
Why Clear Cache?
Clearing the cache and cookies from a web browser is an important first step for almost any troubleshooting for internet browsing. The 'cache' is a tool used by your internet browser to speed up the page-loading process. However, sometimes it can cause a problem when websites are updated and developed as files saved in the cache may conflict with what's actually coded into the website. Clearing cache and cookies is a way to ensure that any issues you may come across are actually something wrong with the website, rather than inconsistencies caused by using different browsers.