We explain what cache memory is and what types exist. Also, how it works and what are the advantages of this alternate memory.
What is cache memory?
In computing, it is known as cache memory or quick access memory to one of the resources that a CPU has (Central Processing unitthat is, Central Processing Unit) to temporarily store the recently processed data in a special buffer, that is, in an auxiliary memory.
The cache memory operates in a similar way to the Main Memory of the CPU, but with greater speed despite being much smaller in size. Its effectiveness provides the microprocessor with extra time to access the most frequently used data without having to track them to their place of origin every time they are needed.
Thus, this memory alternates It is located between the CPU and RAM (Random Access Memorythat is, Random Access Memory), and provides an additional boost in time and resource savings to the system. Hence its name, which in English means “hiding place.”
There are several types of cache memory, such as the following:
- Disk cache It is a portion of RAM memory associated with a particular disk, where recently accessed data is stored to speed up its loading.
- Track cache Similar to RAM, this type of robust cache memory used by supercomputers is powerful, but expensive.
- Web cache It is responsible for storing the data of recently visited Web pages, to speed up their subsequent loading and save bandwidth. This type of cache can work for a single user (private), several users at the same time (shared) or together for the entire network managed by a server (gateway).
See also: Processor
How does the cache work?
The operation of this alternate memory is simple: when we access any data in our computer system, a copy of the most relevant data is immediately created in the cache memory, so that subsequent accesses to said information have it available. hand and should not trace it back to its place of origin.
Thus, accessing the copy and not the original saves processing time and therefore speed, since the microprocessor does not have to go to the main memory all the time. It is, let's put it this way, about a constantly updated working copy of the data most frequently used.
Clearing the cache does not delete your files
Like all memories, the cache can become full or filled with data so disorganized that it delays the process of checking whether any requested data is available in the cache—a procedure that all microprocessors routinely perform. This can slow down the machine, producing an effect completely opposite to what was intended. Or, it can also cause cache copy or read errors.
Whatever the case, you can clear the cache manually asking the system to free the alternate space and refill it as needed. This operation does not alter the content of our information on the hard drive in any way, much less in our email or social media accounts. This is a working copy, and deleting it leaves us facing the original, identical but in another location.
Advantages of clearing the cache
Releasing the cache memory serves two fundamental purposes, such as:
- Delete old or unnecessary data (since we do not always use the same data in the system), such as old files or processes that we will not need again but that are stored there “just in case” to speed up their execution.
- Speed up and streamline the system by providing new free space to copy data in current use, shortening processing times.
This maintenance work must be done with a certain periodicity, which however should not be exaggerated, as we would be preventing the cache memory from fulfilling its purpose.
If we continually delete it, the data stored there will have to be searched and copied again from its original location, which results in more processing time required for each program.
