What are the drawbacks of the cache-aside pattern?

What are the drawbacks of the cache-aside pattern?

The cache-aside pattern can lead to stale data if the cache isn't updated properly. It also adds complexity to the application.

Can you explain how stale data occurs in this pattern?

Stale data occurs when the cache holds outdated information. If the underlying data changes but the cache isn't refreshed, users may see old data.

What are some strategies to mitigate stale data issues?

You can implement cache expiration policies, use write-through caching, or set up event-driven updates to keep the cache fresh.

Are there performance implications with the cache-aside pattern?

Yes, it can introduce latency since the application must check the cache and potentially fetch data from the database if it's not present.

Is there a better alternative to the cache-aside pattern?

Alternatives include write-through caching or read-through caching, which can help maintain data consistency more effectively.