What are the differences between cache-aside and write-through caching?

What are the differences between cache-aside and write-through caching?

Cache-aside and write-through are two caching strategies. In cache-aside, the application is responsible for loading data into the cache, while in write-through, data is written to both the cache and the database simultaneously.

Can you explain when to use each strategy?

Use cache-aside when you want more control over cache population and when reads are more frequent than writes. Write-through is better for scenarios where data consistency is critical.

What are the performance implications of each?

Cache-aside can lead to stale data if not managed properly, but it can improve read performance. Write-through ensures data consistency but may introduce latency due to simultaneous writes.

Are there any scenarios where one is preferred over the other?

Yes, for read-heavy applications, cache-aside is often preferred. For applications requiring strong consistency, write-through is usually the better choice.